We’re supposed to show appreciation – as leaders, as friends, as community members, within our families.
It’s a good thing, right?
And it’s often expressed verbally. “You’re awesome!” “You rock!” “You’re amazing!”
Other times, it’s about something specific. “You did a great job on that report – thank you.”
Being specific about appreciation – about what we’re responding to – is one step closer to having a true impact.
But appreciate – “to appreciate” – it’s a verb. And that requires more than just words; it requires action. Because sometimes the words are kinda meaningless. The cashiers at a local grocery store are required to say “Appreciate you!” as they complete the transaction. Sure, it’s nice, but does it mean anything?
Appreciative action can take many forms. It can be quick and cost nothing, or it can be more lengthy, costing time and money. Here’s a couple of examples, one from each end of that continuum.
A few weeks ago I was at Sam’s Club’s gas station. The attendant there saw me wrestling with an uncooperative card reader for my membership card, and told me, “You know, you can use the app for that, it’s a lot easier!”
I knew Sam’s had an app that allowed an automated checkout process in the store, but I’d never explored it, mostly because I often buy wine and didn’t figure it would let me do that through the app. Age requirements for buying liquor, and all that.
But that day, based on his encouragement, I tried it. And it worked! (Turns out, they check you on the way out to make sure you’re old enough.)
I appreciated the gas attendant’s suggestion – so I drove around and told him, “Hey! It worked! Thank you!”
He beamed. It mattered to him that I took the time, made the effort, to drive over to thank him.
Second example: a client is one of several people in their area who go to the same physical therapist. The therapist is more than merely “well respected”; he’s viewed as something of a miracle worker, plus, he’s an extraordinarily decent and generally delightful human. Upon learning about something he was waiting to get himself until Christmas – still months off – they pooled their funds and got it for him as a show of – you guessed it! – appreciation.
It was a small-to-medium sized effort on the part of those pooling their resources – time and money. It was HUGE for the person they were appreciating.
Do you have to do something that big every time? No, obviously not, as illustrated by the first example. Should you give gifts to your team members? Maybe, maybe not; that’s a question only you can answer. But an actual physical gift isn’t necessary; what’s important is the effort, above and beyond the words.
And in every case of a genuine act of appreciation, no matter how small or large, you as the person taking action will feel amazing.
I can also say that I’ve experienced the act of appreciation from clients, with cards and even gifts. And it’s pretty spectacular to be on the receiving end as well as the giving end!😁