How Loving Leaders Show Appreciation
This blog is part of Renee’s Loving Leaders email series, where she shares insights and strategies for Leading with Love every week. To receive these reflections directly in your inbox, sign up for the series here.
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A few weeks ago I shared Loving Leaders Friday Appreciation-Palooza. This is a simple method to express your thanks to team members without getting overwhelmed by perfectionism. We blocked 25 minutes, set a timer, opened a blank email for each person, and customized a short, simple, sincere, note naming something specific you appreciated that week. And sent them.
So how did it go? Did you hear back from your team members?
I sent my notes out that day too. And I heard back from each of them with heartfelt messages, weaving our bonds a bit tighter. This simple act of seeing and valuing can truly have an outsized impact.
So when it comes to appreciation, it's good to remember that:
Consistency + Variety + Sincerity = a winning, loving combination!
In terms of consistency, is it time to take 25 minutes again and send another set of appreciation emails today? If so, go for it! And be sure to block time on your calendar to make it a habit at the frequency that makes sense for you and your team.
In terms of variety, consider how you might change it up. For example, you can send a note of appreciation to the entire team reflecting with gratitude on your work together toward your purpose and impact. Or you can send messages to small groups or pairs working on a project naming the importance of their work and collaboration. Perhaps you can celebrate a project milestone, or the way they overcame an obstacle, or are persevering in the face of a tough challenge.
In terms of sincerity, well, Loving Leader, you know what this means. It means paying attention throughout the week to contributions and effort, perhaps making notes to keep track because let's face it, we all need help remembering sometimes! It means pausing to let yourself not only think about contributions, but sense and feel their impact. It is this whole person attention that helps us to express our most sincere appreciation.
Remember: Everyone wants to be seen and known for what they are contributing. Let them know you see!
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Looking for encouragement and insights on being a loving, human-centered leader? Sign up here for Renée’s Loving Leaders email list and receive several short, supportive emails each week.
