Appreciation

 Appreciation is a Superpower

Appreciation is about recognising and valuing someone’s unique contributions, efforts, or qualities. Unlike recognition, which often focuses on achievements, appreciation centres on the person and who they are.

We often only consciously recognise the things we truly appreciate when they are taken from us. Our health and loved ones are common examples – they can be almost invisible to us but are deeply felt when no longer present.

Appreciation can deliver many benefits both personally and professionally, including:

• Performance: A Berkeley study found that those who feel valued and cared for are 43% more effective and productive in the workplace.

• Improved Relationships

• Increased Happiness

• Increased Engagement

• Morale Boost

• Higher Likelihood of Going the Extra Mile for Others

• Increased Retention in the Workplace: Surveys regularly report that the number one reason people leave a job is due to a lack of appreciation and not feeling valued.

Appreciation is particularly powerful when failure occurs and standard recognition is not appropriate. Showing that the individual is valued and appreciated, despite the outcome, is a key component of getting them back on the path to success.

Exercise:

Experiment with developing your appreciation superpower with others using three simple steps:

1.  Actively look for the value others bring (not just what they achieve).

2. Create a practice of telling people what you appreciate about them.

3.  Receive compliments without caveat or the need for reciprocation – just say "Thank You." We often try to water down compliments, making someone less likely to show their appreciation in the future.

Challenge yourself to actively appreciate five people in the next week and notice what changes.