“I Appreciate You!” - Try Saying It…
A couple of months ago, I was confronted by a friend. Initially I was really taken back, even a bit upset. Here’s what happened…
I work hard, right? So does everyone around me! Our team is down-right amazing - hands down. But, having a stellar team does two *bad* things…
1. You get spoiled…start to think that’s just normal and expect it.
2. Sometimes, you even expect more (because you’re so used to it)…
I’ve always treated everyone around me with nothing but respect. Especially for my team, I give them everything they ever ask for, period. It’s a family and I am willing to make ANY sacrifice for my family.
We’re all so busy working and working and building our empire, that we’re always on the GO. Especially this year with all my travel, before one thing is done, I’m on to the next 5 things…
What Happens In All This?
I forget to take a minute to really appreciate and thank my team. No, it’s not enough to just “be there for them” - people are people. They need to hear that you DO see their effort.
Most “A players” don’t need to be told every day or even every month. But, in the end, EVERYONE has their points.
Bottom line is this. Consider it the BIGGEST flattery if someone is looking for appreciation from you. Mostly it means they really respect you and want to impress you!
But, if you go a long time without doing it - it can be the biggest de-motivation.
I found that this was the BIGGEST weakness in my style of leadership. I’m seriously working on it now and I can’t appreciate my friend enough for bringing it up.
It not only makes the person feel good - it makes ME feel good.
Try this:
EVERY DAY - Try appreciating someone. Anyone. Even the cashier at your lunch cafeteria. How about just saying…
“You know Sam…you’re always really pleasant…I appreciate you for that - thank you” or…
“Sam, you make a killer cheese sandwich man - just wanted to say, I really look forward to it everyday!”
Think about it - the last time someone said something nice to you - didn’t it make you feel great?
How would you feel if you can make at least one person feel that way every day?
It’s very powerful.
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May 14th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Yes I agree, our lives are so busy we need to make time to appreciate people around us ..so I would like to say “thank you” for your inspiring article
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Fighter reply on May 14, 2009 12:28 pm:
You’re welcome, thank you for appreciating me! hahha
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May 14th, 2009 at 1:09 am
Right on Anik…Appreciation for your team members/family is VERY important. That goes for your personal life as well as business. I know I need to practice it more, but the good thing is that f you something consistently for at least 30 days, it more than likely becomes habit. Man, I’m loving the Launch Tree concept…and I’m a newbie IMer. I am mainly a Real Estate Investor, but I am falling in love with the Internet Marketing business more & more everyday. I couldn’t take advantage of the Launch Tree recently due to most for my funds tied up for a couple weeks, but I HOPE I can still get in somehow in the near future. Thx!
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Fighter reply on May 14, 2009 12:27 pm:
Thanks Rafael - it’s an amazing product - I’m not just saying that cuz it’s mine
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May 14th, 2009 at 3:18 am
Great post Anik!
I can already see that working! I’ll try here and share my experiences with you.
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Fighter reply on May 14, 2009 12:27 pm:
I’d love to see what your results are. And yes, it’s no different on Indian people - people are people. Don’t be afraid to appreciate every now and then!
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May 14th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Hey Anik
While I may not be commenting on each and every post - I do read every single bit you write here and thoroughly enjoy reading it
This is a great post. However what if I appreciate everyone every now and then? Doesn’t it loose its meaning? Shouldn’t appreciation (at least public appreciation) be kept for a stellar performance/job well done? What are your thoughts on this?
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Fighter reply on May 14, 2009 12:27 pm:
Believe it or not - I found this has NOTHING to do with PUBLIC appreciation actually. People just want to be appreciated and you can do it privately. Every now and then even an email does great…
But if something huge is done, public can help.
Don’t do it “everytime” - but once in a while is all it takes!
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May 14th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Hi Anik,
A lot of positive thoughts. As a matter of fact I had a chance to use it
just now, I had to go pick up some medicine and I told the lady behind
the counter I appreciated her. And as I was returning home I met a
fireman at the light with a boot I rolled the window down and apoligized
that I didn’t have any change but said I do appreciate you guys. I am
anxtiously awaiting your 20 minute cd to try and improve my motivation and hopefully program my subconcious mind.
Have a wonderful day and I appreciate you Anik.
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Fighter reply on May 14, 2009 10:40 pm:
Wow great! How did that make you feel Harold?
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May 14th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Boy did this hit a nerve!! This is evidently one of my weaknesses also. Unfortunately I never had a friend to tell me. I had to find out through the grapevine after an employee quit.
After doing a lot of thinking ( that was after I got mad as heck!) I realized that I am such a perfectionist that nothing seemed exceptional to me. If you only comment when someone goes beyond what you expect (and that is perfection), there is no way they will ever get acknowledged…what is better or beyond perfection?
I realized I was putting my team in the same lose-lose situation I had grown up in as the daughter of a Navy Captain. I was suppose to be perfect. Since I could never do BETTER than that I never heard any kind words about what I had accomplished. They were living in the same world.
Now that I saw what I had been doing and knew how it felt for them, I have made a mojor committment to never have my team suffer from lack of appreciation.
It’s interesting to hear you too learn this lesson. I sure wish I had understood this a long time ago!
Your ability to learn and grow will make you an incredible leader.
Keep it up….it only hurts for a while
Anne
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Fighter reply on May 14, 2009 10:43 pm:
Thanks Anne! I love learning more about where I can improve. I think we can all always improve.
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May 14th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Hey,
Really appreciate you taking time out of your busy lunch to get my attention. It is nice to feel appreciated, and I do thank you for reminding me that it’s one thing to feel appreciation and another to show it…
Thanks again, catch ya on your next lunch break!
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