Today began with a surprise box on my front porch. I couldn’t imagine who it was from or what I might have forgotten that I ordered. But sitting outside on this cold, snowy morning was a big, brown square of excitement. I carefully stepped onto the frigid cement landing to pick it up, noticing it felt a bit weighty. With glee, I ran up my steps to my kitchen, grabbed a pair of scissors and began to attack the thick packaging tape. Inside there was a note and a heavily plastic bubbled item. The note read:
“For all the wonderful things you are and do.” Love, mom
As I carefully unwrapped the gift, I saw it was a beautiful ceramic six-muffin dish, painted in blue and white. I had seen this baking dish when I was visiting my mother a few weeks ago in Florida. My visit was full of fun and full of organization of her closet. I felt so appreciated for all my physical rearranging and being fully present in my mother’s daily life.
[Tweet “Showing thankfulness and appreciation is a sign of a strong leader.”]
Here are six ways for leaders to recognize the hard work and kindness of the people we connect with everyday:
1. SEND A THANK YOU NOTE, EMAIL OR TEXT
There is nothing like a heart-felt message telling someone on our team or someone who has helped us out, how appreciative we are for their support. Make sure to include the impact they made on you achieving your goal. People often ask me if it matters whether the note is hand-written or an email or a text and my response is always the same-just be genuine and grateful with your words.
2. BUY A SMALL TOKEN OF APPRECIATION
Whether you purchase a box of someone’s favorite candy or a pre-paid card for a few cups of coffee from their favorite shop, these thoughtful gifts demonstrate that you care and appreciate a person’s contribution.
[Tweet “Small tokens of appreciation can be a meaningful way to say thank you.”]
3. TREAT SOMEONE TO LUNCH OR COFFEE
When we break bread with a teammate or co-worker, we are saying that they are important to us. Treating someone to a meal or a drink, demonstrates that we value their time and commitment.
4. ARRANGE A LISTENING PHONE CALL OR HANGOUT
If we want to tell someone that they matter to us, just reach out and call them or skype with them. During that call, be an active listener and allow them to share some of their dreams and passions. It’s a great way to acknowledge that we value all sides of an individual.
5. BE FULLY PRESENT
I learned how important it was to be “in the moment” when I helped my mother evaluate the clothes in her closet. By giving another person your complete attention, we are leading by our generosity. Being focused on just the one activity, allows for human connection and kindness.
[Tweet “We are generous leaders when we are fully present.”]
6. TELL OTHERS
Giving credit to a person we collaborate with by sharing their work with others, is a great way to show gratitude. It is also very contagious because it encourages others to do the same for their teammates. Being recognized publicly is very powerful and empowering.
How do you make sure “Thank you” is part of your leadership? How does being appreciative make you feel?
Love that you included “Arrange a Listening Phone call” What a wonderful way to show people how much we value them… letting them be heard.
I also felt your excitement opening the package! I think it’s really special when we send something just because. Even if it’s super small like you suggested. That moment of surprise is a part of the gift!
Thank you so much for your heartfelt friendship and connection across the miles!!
~ Alli
It is energizing to feel appreciated even in small ways and yes not expecting the token of gratitude is part of the wonderful gift of giving.
I know that when I am given an opportunity to sit with someone whose opinion I value,I feel so acknowledged and empowered. It doesn’t take a lot to offer small gestures of caring.
Thanks Alli and I too value our friendship beyond measure!
Terri
Excellent. You remind me how often I do this stuff at work, but how much more I could do in my personal life. “Recognition’ is not just for the workplace. What a wonderful token of love from your mom. Thanks for an excellent post.
The people in both our personal and professional lives feel so appreciated with our small gestures of gratitude.
It is so interesting that you give the small gifts at work more intuitively. I wonder if leaders are just so conditioned to the “recognition and reward” model in our workplaces because we spend so much time with our teammates. Our teams have become such a family to many of us. I am sure you show outstanding support to your family and friends, knowing the person you are.
Thanks Karin for your immense support!
This is a great list, Terri!
Sometimes I think just being fully present is one of the best gifts we can give anyone. To simply sit and listen to them tell their story, and be truly interested in where they are going in life and how they plan to get there…
Another awesome post!
I love how you put it LaRae-To simply sit and listen to them tell their story! We each have an evolving story and it means so much to us when someone is willing to take the time to listen and provide feedback.
I am grateful for our connection and friendship!
Great reminders Terri.
Most people seem to have so little time and so when someone takes that little extra time to connect, no matter how briefly (as long as it’s sincere), it means a lot.
It’s so easy to forget how important it is, even if we think it’s trivial. People like it! (unless they feel it’s stealing their time etc)
Although I don’t listen to my own internal prompts 100% of the time, I have learned to pay more attention to those inner promptings when someone comes to heart and mind. More times than not, if I take the opportunity to communicate, even briefly, with someone who comes to mind or is heavy on my heart, I learned that they were in some need at that moment. I may not always be able to meet the true deeper needs or solve all problems for others, yet sometimes just showing up and being present even for a few minutes (in any capacity) can communicate to the other person that they aren’t alone…that they MATTER.
So yes…appreciation goes a LONG WAY!
Great reminders Terri!
You bring up a great point, Samantha about how a small gesture of thankfulness for us could mean a meaningful gift for another. I find it fascinating how people have impacted my life and they may not even know and how I have made a difference in their lives and I am not aware. Have you ever spoken to someone in your past who tells you how important you were to them at a particular crossroad?
Thanks Samantha! You are a true gift!
Terri – I was with you on the cold morning – even from the warm sandbox! What a fun mystery package and a special way to start the day and this post!
Thank you for the reminder that seemingly little things make a huge difference!
Surprises get me every time and when leaders surprise their teams with unexpected gratitude and praise, teams feel so valued.
Small gestures of appreciation can make a huge impact on someone else’s life.
Thanks Chery for your support and kindness!