How to Build a Culture of Appreciation and Why

Would you rather work in an environment where you are punished for your mistakes, while pressured for better results, or in an environment where you are praised and recognized for your work and the value you create?

Would you prefer to execute orders (without understanding the “why” behind them) or to be involved in the decision-making, with your opinion and ideas being considered when working toward your team’s goals?

Would you be more easily inspired to show accountability after being asked for it or when you’re assigned ownership and you feel like a trusted contributor to the team’s success?

Do you find it easier to thrive through criticism or through appreciation?

If you are like most people, then I can guess your answers. Most people find it easier (and certainly more enjoyable) to improve through positive reinforcement and a certain degree of autonomy, just as it is more effective and pleasant for children to learn in this way. I mean, who doesn’t love rewards?

There are many reasons why appreciation works. For the purpose of this article, let’s focus on three:?

1.??????It increases enthusiasm.

2.??????It conveys recognition.

3.??????It reduces unnecessary stress.

Let’s look at these three important reasons in more detail:

1.??????Enthusiasm is necessary for employees to stay engaged at work, especially during intense or uncertain times, whether this intensity or uncertainty is coming from a project or from a personal situation. Greater enthusiasm also tends to increase mental creativity, meaning ideas can flow more freely. It is the driving force behind innovation, and it contributes to a positive team spirit.

2.??????Recognition is what most of my coaching clients mention when I ask them what they want more of at work, independently of their roles. Being recognized for the effort, knowledge, and expertise we put into our work is a basic human need. When employees are acknowledged in their jobs, they will be inspired to put in more of their best selves. Recognition comes in many forms: promotions, raises, and other forms of compensation, for sure. But also just simple signs of appreciation whenever there’s an opportunity for them. (Read my dedicated article on Recognition here .)

3.??????Reduction of stress is something most employees would welcome – quite obviously. The less stress the individual team members experience, the less stress they project on the team, which potentially also reduces conflict. Why? – Because just like enthusiasm, stress can be contagious. There’s a plethora of statistics that prove the detrimental effects of stress for our health. But stress also affects the team’s effectiveness and productivity. Stressed minds just don’t work as smoothly or creatively as calm minds.

What’s your way of showing appreciation to your team? Drop a comment!

How then can we build a culture of appreciation?

Just like Rome, it’s not going to be built in one day. Having said that, even small changes can have a substantial impact, and if practiced consistently, they will create a ripple effect and can even lead to major shifts. Allow me to mention some simple things you can implement in your team to lay the foundation for a culture of appreciation:

1.??????Verbally appreciating progress

Make it a habit to praise and appreciate your team members for progress made – big or small achievements. This doesn’t mean remaining silent when it’s time to call out for a need of improvement. But it’s important to keep a healthy balance, and if employees receive appreciative comments more often, they will also be more open to your constructive prompts. Appreciation offered to someone when things go well lowers their need for defensiveness when things don’t go so great.

2.??????Counting wins

Start team meetings by having the team members share their wins. Most masterminds start their meetings by going around the room and everyone spotlighting their latest win. There is a good reason for that: It gives all those present the chance to appreciate these wins, to celebrate together. When your team members share their project-related wins, this automatically heightens the spirit of co-creation, while highlighting the individuals’ achievements. Eventually, all these smaller wins are coming together in a larger overall team win.

3.??????Introducing appreciation games

Have your team brainstorm on ideas on how to express appreciation to other team members. Depending on how your team usually interacts – in person, virtually, over the phone, by email or messenger, etc. – have them come up with creative ideas. It’s important to make this a fun experience. For example, they could design a system where team members get to point out their coworkers’ successes. Mutual appreciation turned into a game. How amazing is that!

Implementing such a system automatically decreases the need for unhealthy competition, thus reducing friction and saving precious energy, which can now be used for more creative and productive purposes.

What’s your way of showing appreciation to your team? Drop a comment!

Deep down, we all crave validation from time to time. Even though we shouldn’t depend on validation from others, it is evident that it has an uplifting effect, it can positively impact our mood, and it nurtures our confidence. It may also raise the level of joy we put into the work, and more joyful work tends to produce better results. All of this also applies to your team… always remember that.

Want additional support on how to raise the vibes in your team? DM me and let’s chat!