Comments on: To appreciate, first acknowledge

By: Patricia Morgan

Patricia Morgan — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:45:18 +0000

Thank you to Mary Ellen for printing my work and for the supportive and reinforcing comments by others. Thank you to Dawn for adding an important Number 11 to the list–smiling. A smile communicates more than "I see you." It sends the message, "I like you." Who wants to go to work if they are not at least liked?

By: Shamina

Shamina — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:00:21 +0000

The workplace environment would thrive if everyone worked together and recognize the contributions that each person has to offer. Each person comes together to make one whole unit.

By: oscar marroquin

oscar marroquin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:10:35 +0000

i agree acknowledging and recognizing others is important and we need to do it frequently… this is a behavior that must be practiced daily… watch out … don't be pretentious, the consequences are greater than not acknowledging at all..

By: Dawn Durrah

Dawn Durrah — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:07:15 +0000

I appreciate this article! It is very timely and shows that appreciation works both ways. "I see you." is so important. Some people in the workplace feel unseen and unheard. It is amazing that a simple "good morning" acknowledges that "I see you." An added smile says," I see you and I appreciate you."

By: Derek Irvine, Globof

Derek Irvine, Globof — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:03:09 +0000

Interesting post.We strongly advocate building a culture of recognition in organizations — similar to your approach. The steps to building one are simple — frequent, timely, authentic and specific appreciation that recognizes behaviors or actions that reflect company values in achievement of objectives. Then allow anyone to recognize anyone — peer to peer, manager to subordinate, lowly receptionist to CEO.

But the real power of this lies in using your culture of recognition to manipulate the very social architecture of your organization. If you recognize based on behaviors that demonstrate your values and you carefully track and report on this activity (which should be extensive involving 80-90% annually or 5-8% weekly), you can begin to see patterns of areas where some values are rarely recognized. With this knowledge you can intervene to address why the recognition levels are low.

Recognition can be a very powerful strategic tool if applied properly.

By: Peggy Romano

Peggy Romano — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:33:18 +0000

Positivity is very reflective! It is such a simple behavior yet people overlook its tremendous benefits! Keep up the good work! A happy environment is a productive environment!

By: Skip Weisman

Skip Weisman — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:50:30 +0000

Mary Ellen,
great article and tips. I find in my work helping to improve communication in organizations and by leaders that so many people in today's workplace don't practice enough of what you suggest, and should.

Presuming positive intent and that people want to do their best and are "doing the best with the resources they have available" makes a huge difference. We need to "give more benefit of the doubt," too.

I think leaders and team members fail to subscribe to your points of acknowledgement and appreciation for fear of being seen as soft and not holding people accountable, yet the total opposite is true if people know how to do it properly.

One of the things I've recently written about that may have value for people in organizations reading this is what I call "The 7 Deadly Sins of Organizational Leadership Communication," (available at "HowToImproveOrganizationalCommunication.com ) and it compliments what you wrote and has given me ideas to add to my list. Thanks, so much and keep up the good work.
Skip

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