4. Verbalize appreciation and gratitude.
Over the years, some people I’ve worked with say they don’t feel a need for appreciation or positive acknowledgment for a job well done. They get pleasure purely from the task at hand being completed to their satisfaction.
However, not everyone is the same.
Do you appreciate being appreciated?
According to research conducted by E. Michael Lillibridge and PeopleMap, 67% of the population has strong People styles as their natural or auxiliary personality style. This translates to a huge number of individuals who enjoy being acknowledged for who they are and the contributions they make to their work, their team, their family.
Many people want to know their contributions and efforts are appreciated and that they bring value in their day to day efforts. Hearing words of appreciation that are directly related to something observed go a long way towards increasing job satisfaction, loyalty and even building self-confidence in others.
Don’t just assume others know they are doing a good job—they like to HEAR it from YOU! People want to be heard, appreciated and seen for their contributions and to know they are doing a good job—in YOUR eyes, especially if you are their employer or supervisor.
Just think of the impact YOUR words and expressions to others may have. It can literally light up their world. Often, you’ll see it in their face as a reflection of hearing you point out something positive relating specifically to them. It may be something you observed them say or do with a patient/client that was comforting, a task they undertook without being asked, or maybe they volunteered to do a project on their own. The point is to catch them when they are doing something you appreciate and letting them know—not taking them for granted.
Go ahead; try offering a few words of praise or thankfulness to someone. Watch closely and I’ll bet you see them brighten up right in front of your eyes! The rewards overall can be more than you would imagine!
