You know that moment when you think you’re doing something really well but then you realize people aren’t responding in a positive way? I hear this regularly from managers and leaders when it comes to appreciation.
They tell me, “But I say thank you all the time.”
Just because you’re expressing appreciation doesn’t mean it’s being received as appreciation.
It’s like speaking English to someone who only understands Spanish. You’re talking, but the message isn’t getting through.
I worked with a leader who prided himself on recognizing his team. He wrote thank you cards and gave shoutouts in meetings and emails. Despite that, not everyone felt appreciated because not everyone speaks the same language of appreciation. That was a real wake up call for him.
Appreciation isn’t a box to check. It’s a skill to build. When every manager and supervisor learns to speak the 5 Languages of Appreciation, people feel valued and motivated and performance follows.
If your organization wants people to feel seen, valued, and motivated to give their best, are leaders equipped to speak their team members’ language of appreciation?
If you would like to receive my Appreciation Toolkit to get you started, please respond to this email and I’ll send it right over.
As a keynote speaker and certified expert in the 5 Languages of Appreciation, I work with teams to develop this essential communication skill that improves employee engagement and retention.
Coaching Questions:
What motivates the people you work with?
What language of appreciation do your team members speak?