The Power of Appreciation
Tim Richardson
The Power of the Pause/Exceptional Service keynotes, workshops, and panel discussion facilitator. Speaker, author, husband, father, outdoor enthusiast, and aspiring jazz pianist.
Yesterday I received a wonderful surprise gift from a client that I worked with early last month - words of appreciation.
Here is what she wrote on my LinkedIn page:
“Tim Richardson is hands down the best keynote speaker I have ever had the privilege to work with. Tim was creative in his approach, spent time attending an onsite session ahead of our keynote to really understand our membership and was very open and responsive to our questions. Tim delivered a dynamic, insightful, and hilarious presentation to our membership and I continue to hear accolades about his keynote post conference. He will be a hard act to follow for our next keynote.”
Those four sentences likely didn’t take longer than a few minutes to write and yet they are powerful. They are a powerful endorsement of my work to future prospective clients. They are a powerful motivator to me to work hard to meet my clients’ needs and bring them maximum value. And they are a powerful reminder that words of appreciation are significant.
When we pay attention and recognize what someone accomplished, it increases the probability that they will repeat those efforts in the future.
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Over the next few weeks, it’s likely that your co-workers will be out of the office. What a gift it would be for them to come back to a nice handwritten note or voicemail telling them how much you appreciate them and the role they play in making your organization better.
Your words will have a powerful impact. As long as it’s sincere and without an expectation of you receiving anything in return, you really can’t give too much appreciation!
Thank you, Licia Wells , you reminded me about the power of appreciation - one of the most wonderful gifts you can give to someone.
Tim, Nice article. Here's my story. In 1982, I was appointed the Deputy Commander for Operations in my flying unit in the Michigan Air National Guard. I started sending birthday cards to the members of the Operations Group (about 85) plus their spouses. I would spend Sunday afternoons writing birthday cards which included a note that would recognize something they did. For the spouses, I hired someone to create calligraphy cards and I included a note in their card as well. When I became the Group Commander of the flying unit with 1,100 members, I wrote about 750 cards a year to all the officers and their spouses, and the top three enlisted ranks and their spouses as well. I was commander for 5 years. I also wrote letters of congratulations for high performance ratings and promotions. At the same time, I'm also writing birthday cards to my family, aunts and uncles and cousins. We had the highest retention rate out of 91 flying units for the last three years of my command at 94%. Had a Master Sergeant post his high performance letter I sent him from 1987 on Facebook n December 2022. I tracked him down as I was surprised that he still had it. He said he was proud of it just like all the birthday cards I sent him. It works.
AAOE Program Manager at American Academy of Ophthalmology
1 年Thank you again, Tim, for your wonderful presentation at our annual meeting--it was truly inspiring! Ditto for this post!
Virtual Executive Assistant at Best Virtual Assistants
1 年Thank you, Tim and Adele! I appreciate you both so much! Merry Christmas ??!
I equip people in BUILDING BETTER personal, professional and family LIVES by creating life systems of proven success. Speaker|Author|Leader|Trainer (S.A.L.T.) Marketplace Shepherd|Mentor/Coach|Realtor/FMS, MRP|Notary
1 年Yes! Positive things stick because they enrich our souls.
Legal Administrator at Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley, P.C.
1 年Great words, Tim Richardson. I have found that a healthy work relationship involves telling people that they are appreciated and them feeling that they are appreciated. Leaving note of appreciation is an outstanding idea.