Recently, I was delighted to open a fortune cookie to discover the phrase, “Appreciate. Appreciate. Appreciate.” It seemed more than appropriate with this season of giving thanks upon us as showing appreciation is one of the simplest things we can do to make the world a better place. It’s also one of the most effective ways to build stronger relationships and create a more positive work environment.
When we show appreciation to our colleagues, friends, and family, we let them know that we value their contributions and that we’re grateful for their presence in our lives. This can have a profound impact on their mood, motivation, and overall well-being – it can do the same for us as a result of having shown appreciation. Of course, it’s important to note that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to showing appreciation. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to be sincere and to find ways to show appreciation that are meaningful to the individual or group you’re trying to reach.
Here are a few tips for showing appreciation to people who are important in your life:
- Be specific. When you thank someone, be specific about what you’re thanking them for. This shows that you’re paying attention and that you appreciate their specific contributions. For example, instead of saying “Thanks for your help,” you could say “Thanks for working late last night to help me finish the report.”
- Be timely. Don’t wait until the end of the week or month to show your appreciation. Instead, express your gratitude as soon as possible. This shows that you’re thinking of the person and that you appreciate their efforts in real time.
- Be sincere. The most important thing is to be sincere when you show appreciation. Let the person know that you genuinely value their contributions and that you’re grateful for their presence in your life.
What specific actions can you take to show appreciation to others? Consider these simple ideas:
- Write a handwritten note. This is one of my all-time favorites! It remains a crowd pleaser… A handwritten note is a thoughtful and personal way to express gratitude. Take the time to write a few words about what you appreciate about the person and why you’re grateful for them.
- Do something nice for them. This could be something as simple as offering them a cup of coffee, running an errand on their behalf, or telling their supervisor how much you value them as a colleague.
- Publicly recognize their accomplishments. If you have the opportunity, publicly recognize the person’s accomplishments during a meeting, in a newsletter, or on social media. This is a great way to show your appreciation and to inspire others.
Showing appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Even small gestures can make a big difference. So, make an effort to thank the people in your life for their efforts. It’s a recipe for success in work and life.
Thank YOU! And, Happy Networking!