Show Sincere Appreciation

What is one of the main reasons people quit a job? Lack of appreciation. It's not lack of money or benefits, it's lack of appreciation. This can also translate over into marriage, teams, churches, etc. If people do not feel appreciated and valued, they are not likely to stick around.

In Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People", he says that the "big secret of dealing with people" is to give them honest and sincere appreciation. I completely agree that this is super-important, especially in a home based business. When you pick up a phone to call someone, they have to feel that they are more important than you. If they think you are just calling about your needs, then they will either blow you off or not respond. They need to know that you appreciate them and value them.

As a leader of my organization, I realize that I have often failed in this area. As I mentioned in my last post, I often jump to being critical and thinking of what the person needs to do differently, rather than just appreciating what they are doing right. I believe that if we can give appreciation more often to our team members, they will feel more valued and be more interested in sticking with their business. Again, many people choose a home business (or a job) not just based on the financial part, but on whether they will be valued and appreciated on a regular basis.

What are some ways that you can show appreciation?

• A phone call. Simply picking up the phone to say, "I'm glad you are a part of my team" can really mean a lot to someone.
• Recognizing them in front of someone else. Perhaps on a team call or at a meeting, you can mention something special about another person. Don't just say, "I appreciate you" - say why you appreciate them or mention a reason you are proud of them. Verbal praise in front of others can go a long way!
• A thank you note or card. Send a little thank you card to let the person know you are thinking of them. Written notes through the mail are much more meaningful than emails or text messages.
• A small gift. I don't recommend going out and spending a lot of money on all of your team members. However, perhaps you know someone who has been making an extra effort despite tough circumstances, or someone who has been a great leader on your team. Even an $5.00 gift card to a local coffee shop says a lot to them.

In closing, I'd like to challenge each of us to take time to show appreciation to someone today. As Carnegie says, "In our interpersonal relations, we should never forget that all our associates are human beings and hunger for appreciation."