The Art of Appreciation

by Angie Dubis Tuesday, May 15, 2012 This last week we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day and Mother's Day.  I find it deeply appropriate that these celebrations fall so close to one another. Both these distinctions share the responsibility of nurturing and developing the best in us from the day we are born until the day we die. As both a mother and a teacher, I strive to make choices that inspire my child, my students and myself to make a difference in the world around us.  To connect with all the possibilities of what is and what can be.  Although, praise isn’t the point, who doesn’t love waking up to a bright eyed 5 year old holding a Happy Mother's Day card that reads “you are the best Mommy ever” or an email that says “Oh my goodness, your class was great- Thank you for taking time to share your gift?”

But it isn’t just Mothers and Teachers who deserve to be recognized for their efforts and contributions.  Everyone appreciates a “pat on the back” for a job well done.  Research shows that simple verbal praise increases individual productivity by reinforcing desired behaviors. Employee recognition programs are a good example of the effectiveness of praise. Employees who feel appreciated at work tend to be more satisfied with their job, spend more time focused on work and less time complaining.  The result is improved teamwork between employees, lower turnover, fewer accidents on the job and lower rates of absenteeism and stress.

No matter who you are, you can improve your life and the lives of those around you by practicing the art of appreciation!  It is quite simple; just start looking for opportunities to recognize other’s good work. When you identify an opportunity to praise someone, DO IT! You can recognize someone through personal, written, electronic and public praise.  Just be sure to be sincere.

Here are a few tips when it comes to recognizing someone’s good work:

• Thank them by name.
• State exactly what it is that you are recognizing them for as this reinforces the specific behavior you want repeated.
• Tell them how their contribution/behavior made you feel supported, proud, etc.
• Tell them how their behavior positively affects others.
• Thank the person a second time, again by name.

Recognizing those around us really is a very simple process.  It just takes a little extra thought sometimes, especially if we are in a hurry or are having a difficult day, but that little extra effort can go a long way! Be sure to praise 3 people today and let us know the results!

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