A=APPRECIATION, Part 1

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

—John F. Kennedy

Appreciation: expressing gratitude to another person—or to a group. Telling someone that you are thankful for who they are, what they do, and the contribution they make. When people feel their contribution is valuable and a significant part of the success of the company, they will deliver on work requirements in a more compassionate and energetic manner. If the work environment does not support this and is managed with negativity, authoritarianism, and hostility, people will leave. Knowledge workers today want to have fun at work, and if it is not enjoyable or if they dread going to work, they will not stay (Jameson, 2010)

When the mode of operation is to correct mistakes and reprimand people when they perform incorrectly, rather than to instruct, educate, and positively reinforce people on the skills required for performing excellently, people’s inner selves are diminished and they cannot thrive. Rather than focus on the negative things that happen, effective leaders give people encouragement, nurture talent, and create a supportive culture that develops committed employees.

The more you are grateful for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for.

—Alan Cohen