Praise expresses approval. “Good job.”
Appreciation expresses value. “What you did matters.”
Praise and appreciation overlap. But praise leans toward performance. Appreciation leans toward the person.
Praise: “You handled that difficult conversation well.”
Appreciation: “I appreciate the courage you bring to difficult situations.”
Appreciation is fuel.
Dangers of being unappreciated?
Lack of recognition runs rampant in organizations. The only time you’re noticed is when you screw up.
You spend hours preparing for a tough conversation that goes well. Who knows?
Hard work is often overlooked.
Multiply recognition by receiving it skillfully.
Unexpressed appreciation feels like ingratitude.
The cost of feeling unappreciated:
Why try when no one cares?
Little annoyances turn into big frustrations.
Only liars say they don’t enjoy appreciation.
How to train people to show appreciation?
Everything stops in our house with the first snow. My wife joyfully calls, “It’s snowing.” We gaze like children. Sometimes we stand close. Usually it spits and sputters, but if we’re lucky, the… Continue reading
One highly motivated leader said, “A simple pat on the back would sure feel good.” 79 percent of employees who quit their jobs claim that a lack of appreciation was a major reason… Continue reading
“Ingratitude is the essence of vileness.” Immanuel Kant Ingratitude is weak, small, ugly, arrogant, and contagious. Unthankful leaders repel healthy followers. Companions of ingratitude: Fear. Entitlement. Envy. Blame. Anger. Freedom: Gratitude is freedom.… Continue reading
