Suppose you worked hard at something, say, in cleaning a place, or teaching a group of students, or preaching, or writing a book, and you asked someone: “How do you find my work?” And that person does not mention anything good about your work, but points out only what he/she sees as defects. You will feel bad, right? Some of us may feel so discouraged, we may not want to do that work again.
And yet, this is what often happens in life. Most people, most of the time, take others’ good performance for granted, seldom say a word of appreciation, and are quick to notice and point out the flaws. We may treat our parents and others who did much for us this way.
People miss being affirmed. A sincere and direct word of appreciation would go a long way to energize people, create a positive spirit in the organization and make people want to work there. We know this in theory. We feel good when someone appreciates us. Why don’t we, then, do this for others?
A well-known British study asked 2000 mid-level managers what they missed most in their place of work. Their clear answer: Appreciation for what they were doing well.
Fr Joe Mannath SDB
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