We have yet another epidemic in our world, or at least in the United States right now. This epidemic is a general lack of appreciation. Our service industry especially gets the brunt of this entitlement attitude. 

If you have been told thank you or received genuinely appreciation lately, move yourself into the lucky lane. 

How have we gotten to this place in society where our appreciation and acknowledgement of others is at an all-time low?

Why have we moved into this place of not showing appreciation like we used to? I believe it’s for a few reasons:

• Busyness. Yes, we are so busy we are not even taking time to slow down and really see the person in front of us. 
• Self-Focused. We are more transactional than ever. What can “I” get out of something. How does this benefit me? When we are focused on self, it’s hard to be aware of those around us. 
• Lack of Relationship. If we see people as a way to get what we want, we aren’t growing community or mutual respect. Building relationship provides an opportunity for all parties to benefit.

Ironically, there are some beliefs roaming around that if we show appreciation, people will get an ego, not work as hard (start slacking off), or expect it all the time. Research shows us differently. Research shows us that appreciation helps people:

• Feel seen
• Know they are valued
• Be more productive
• Show up more positively
• Recognize they are important and matter

Appreciation doesn’t even need to cost money. A genuine gesture can make all the difference.  Here are a few ways you can show appreciation:

• A genuine thank you. Fully “see” the person when you say thanks. If culturally appropriate, look them in the eye. If direct eye contact isn’t appropriate, find out what honor in that culture looks like.
• A handwritten thank you note. You would be amazed at the impact a thank you card can have. I once had a banker call and thank me for the thank you note I sent them. “No one has done this in a LONG time,” they said. It made an impact.
• Notice something that was done and name it. Here might be an example, “I notice you keep the fridge stocked with supplies and I never have to worry about it being done. Thank You!” Maybe it’s in the job description, maybe it’s not. Choose to say thank you either way.
• Make a list of your own ideas. What are the ways you show appreciation? What are the ways you like to be appreciated?

At the core, people just want to be seen, belong and know that they matter. In my many years of consulting and coaching, I’ve seen incredible people leave jobs, organizations, non-profits and more simply because they did not feel acknowledged or appreciated. It’s even worse when some folks are appreciated and others aren’t. Talk about a set up for failure.

The other benefit to showing appreciation more often is that people reciprocate and return the favor back to you. The more you GIVE appreciation, the more you RECEIVE it. And often it comes back stronger. 

We can do better. All of us. My invitation for you today is to identify places where showing appreciation may be just what the doctor ordered. 

I’d love to hear about your experiences around appreciation. I also want to thank you for following my work, reading this blog, and showing me that it matters.

Keep SHINING in Your Brilliance!