Renaissance Men -Acknowledgement – The Key to Extraordinary Leadership.

(This is applicable to your life as a parent, partner or friend.)

It's easy to get caught up in metrics and milestones. But the greatest leaders don't just achieve; they inspire. And the secret to this inspiration? Acknowledgement.

The true essence of impactful leadership lies not just in achieving targets but in your role as a leader to create an environment where every individual feels valued and recognised for the contribution they make.

To unlock the transformative power of acknowledgement, let's explore how it can revolutionise your leadership and your organisation. By mastering the art of acknowledgement, you will inspire and transform your team and create a legacy of greatness for yourself as a leader.

The Hidden Power of Acknowledgement

Maya Angelou wisely said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Acknowledgement isn't about grand gestures or empty praises. It's about authentic, heartfelt recognition that touches the core of human motivation and potential.

Let me ask you, when was the last time you felt truly acknowledged?

Why Acknowledgement Transforms Teams

1. Tapping into Potential: When people begin to see themselves through the eyes of someone who sees their greatness, they begin to respond in likeness. When they feel seen and appreciated, they're more likely to tap into their full potential. They take ownership, innovate, and go the extra mile—not because they have to, but because they want to.
2. Building Resilient Teams: A culture of acknowledgement builds trust and camaraderie and guides the team to see their teammates as the best. I can highly recommend the TV series Ted Lasso for a brilliant demonstration of transforming a team through acknowledgement. Ted demonstrates an amazing ability to see the innate potential that lives within everyone. It is this potential that can be nurtured and grown for the greater vision. Teams that feel valued are more resilient, adaptable, and ready to face challenges together, head-on.
3. Cultivating Loyalty: There are a myriad of reasons for people to leave their corporate role, ranging from mandates to return to the office to the unreasonable expectation of working 24/7. We need to look more deeply at what creates loyalty.

People have lives; the people they love come first! Your colleagues and team, just like you, are juggling parenting responsibilities, dealing with the challenges their children face, looking after ageing parents, and focusing on their own well-being and that of their families. As a leader, acknowledging this is the clearest path to loyalty.

Your top talent is sought after, and creating an environment where they feel respected and irreplaceable is your competitive edge.

How to Master the Art of Acknowledgement

1. Be Genuine and Specific: Don't blow smoke up people's backsides! Be real about what you are acknowledging. Your acknowledgement needs to be recognisable by the individual and by the team. Be specific. Vague compliments fall flat. Create them powerfully through declarative language, "You are a highly valued colleague, and your innovative thinking and fast action on the recent project was outstanding and pivotal to our success" This holds much more weight than a general "Good job." and a pat on the back. Consider acknowledging their partners and family for their role in the successful outcome. "Please pass on my thanks to your family for putting up with you whilst you poured yourself into meeting this deadline".
2. Timely Praise: Don't wait for annual reviews. Recognise your people in real-time as events occur. Timely acknowledgement keeps people buoyant, reinforces positive behaviours and maintains momentum.
3. Creating individuals in the eyes of others. When you acknowledge someone publicly, you create a view of that person from your perspective. As a leader, your view counts; be a stand for your team and acknowledge them so others can see what you see. Public recognition can boost confidence and morale, while private conversations deepen your personal connection.
4. Consistency is Key: Consistent recognition shapes a culture of appreciation and respect. Make acknowledgement a part of your leadership. Weave it into the fabric of your leadership and daily interactions; It is not just a once-in-a-while occurrence.

Acknowledgement in Action

Take inspiration from leaders like Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, whose authentic leadership style is rooted in empathy and recognition. When he took the helm, Nadella made it a point to acknowledge the efforts and ideas of his employees, fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration. Under his guidance, Microsoft's culture transformed, leading to unprecedented innovation and success. Nadella's approach is a testament to the power of seeing and valuing every team member's contribution, fostering trust and credibility in the organisation.

Your Leadership Challenge

How often do you acknowledge the efforts and achievements of your team?

Challenge yourself to deepen this practice. Watch the ripple effect this creates. This is your opportunity to take care of your team in a way that unlocks their extraordinary potential.

As you embrace the transformational power of acknowledging others, it will become part of the team culture and, like wildfire, begin to transform all levels of your organisation.

Actionable Insight:

• The ability to authentically acknowledge others begins with being able to acknowledge yourself. Start recording three things a day that you did well or that you are pleased to have accomplished. Create a daily habit of self-acknowledgement.
• This week, identify three team members and verbally acknowledge their recent contributions in a specific and meaningful way. Write personalised notes to three team members highlighting their recent achievements and the positive impact they've had.

Observe the impact this has on engagement and morale.

The Extraordinary Possibilities

Imagine leading a team where everyone feels valued and inspired, a place where acknowledgement fuels passion, creativity, and a relentless drive for excellence. This is not just a dream, but a reality that is within your reach. By mastering the art of acknowledgement, you don't just lead—you inspire, transform, and create a legacy of greatness that will endure long after you.

Embrace this power. Make acknowledgement a cornerstone of your leadership. The results will amaze you.

Love and Blessings,