"Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire
A couple of months back I received some random appreciative feedback from a client regarding the quality of work done for them. For a moment, I was in awe. At least someone noticed my professional competence and pointed out a strength I didn't know I had.
Truth is, there's just something magical in a genuine compliment. It is liberating - causing the enervation in us to dissipate. It is elevating - making one to rise to their zenith, high above the ever present imposter syndrome. Unlike flattery which is a decoy used to buoy one's spirit for another's selfish gains, before leaving them feeling used and abused, an authentic commendation is an unsolicited well meaning statement that's not only electrifying, but also vivifying and edifying.
Yet, as we wrap up the month of May which is dedicated to mental health awareness throughout the world, I can't help but marvel at the appalling levels of employee disengagement as highlighted in the Gallup's 2023 State of the Global Workplace report. Could it be that this phenomenon partly precipitates from the accumulated daily stresses an employee experiences, stemming up from an emotion-averse work environment devoid of a constant display of approbation?
Could it be that the employee's mind is always saturated with constant criticism over what went wrong or could go wrong without a mention of or appreciation for what went well? Could it be due to an organizational culture issue whereby the top management in some institutions subscribe to the school of thought that employees don't like to work and therefore ought to be constantly pushed and kept in a state of anxiety and apprehensiveness?
Is there truth to all these leading questions? Most definitely. A quick glance on multiple empirical studies confirms it all while also highlighting this startling assertion, "There's a dearth of compliments at the workplace." Sadly, in most places, employee appreciation has long been relegated to a year-end event. A point in time when members of staff are made to feel euphoric on account of scintillating tastes. Ironically, throughout the year, they were made to feel unsure of their value in the organization due to constant needless censures which ultimately contribute to disengagement and mental health related conditions!
The take-home today is simple and actionable, " It doesn't cost a dime to be kind and generous in affirming words." Those little pleasantries we learnt in kindergarten would go a long way to help enhance an employee's self awareness and improve output delivery. Appreciation needs to be intentionally relational for it to be effective. Therefore, just as a compliment random stranger online sounds sinister, so will it feel to the person if your prior conduct depicted you as cold and unapproachable boss.
In whatever leadership capacity whether in the corporate world, education institutions, religious organizations or even at home, let those under your charge and care know that they are valued as human beings. Let them know that they are not just mere statistics or worse disposable pawns whose sole mandate is furthering the 'cause' and will be 'dropped' as soon as their usefulness is squeezed to the last drop.
Equally, in everything, let each worker put their best foot forward. Hone your strengths and leverage on your superpowers - those idiosyncrasies that make you uniquely you. In addition, always keep in mind that the clamor for acclamation and validation is not life's sole pursuit. Otherwise, such a mindset would rob away the authenticity in your actions, casting a doubt on your integrity, reliability and dependability. Embody and practice virtue because it's the right thing to do, whether you get celebrated and rewarded or whether your life story is never etched in the annals of history, fading away in insignificance.
Cheers, good people.
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