38: Bring forward appreciation
You really appreciate something a colleague said or did in a meeting, or you hear something at home that touches you positively. A friend consistently shows behaviour you admire, or says something that impacts your life in a good way. Someone does you a favour, unexpectedly. The list of positive moments around you is endless.
You think about saying something, but you don’t. Why not?
“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone,” [1] so it’s a shame to leave it unspoken. Appreciation can be private or public, and in my experience, public appreciation feels especially rewarding!
When you leave your role or the place where you work, you’ll receive many touching comments, and you might wonder, “Why didn’t I hear this before?” These words will make you realize the impact you had—the impressions you left through what you said, did, and even what you didn’t say but could have.
If you ask, “Why didn’t you tell me before? It would have made my day,” the answer is often that earlier, it might have felt like flattery, or they didn’t think it would matter to you, or perhaps they didn’t have the courage, especially if you were a superior.
This is a lesson for me, too. As I share my appreciation with those who have worked with me, describing their qualities and strengths, I realize I could have been more generous and forthcoming. Sometimes, I’ve been a ‘silent appreciator.’
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As you read this, think of a few people who have had a positive impact on you. Tell them how important they are to you—it will be a pleasant surprise for them.
Don’t delay sharing the good; the bad, instead, can wait.
[1] “Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” is commonly attributed to author and motivational speaker Gladys Bronwyn Stern, often shortened as G.B. Stern. It captures the sentiment that unexpressed appreciation or gratitude cannot positively impact others.
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Sales & Marketing | Strategy & Planning | People
1 个月Giorgio, what a powerfull reflection! Thanks for sharing and reminding me to put my appreciation into practice. Keep writing, we learn a lot from you.
Laboratory management, Refinery Operations, Catalyst Manufacturing, Project Engineering, Operations Excellence and Contract Management… and the most rewarding and satisfying role is being a mother!
1 个月Likewise, I’m a strong believer of A Living “Eulogy” (copyright to me … hahaha). Why wait to say good things about others when you can do so when the person is alive and perhaps make that life a more meaningful one. Giorgio Delpiano thanks for always encouraging the CP team to not just being a functional team but a business partner.
Could not agree more, Giorgio, though I would extend it further - not just appreciation but simple words or acts that show others we care. And the same is valid for colleagues, as well as for family… How often we miss precious moments, because we are busy. Or so we think. By the way, I still have the book you sent me 13 years ago, when I was about to go through surgery. And still remember how much your gesture meant to me.
| Research Scientist | Measurement Instruments | Nanomaterials | Sensor | Materials Science | Natural Gas Treatment |
1 个月It is true Giorgio! Our unsaid gratitude is useless. There could be a lot of reasons why we don't express our gratitude to others, but I believe that if we as leaders start expressing our gratitude to our colleagues, they will be inspired to follow suit. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.
Energy & Carbon Management , Retail Network Development & Mobility Specialist
1 个月Thanks for sharing a valuable insight. Will try and ensure that I appreciate/ acknowledge the right attitude and positive behaviour in the moment rather than just a Silent gratitude ????