The Appreciation Factor

Most of us at one time or another are caught in a school zone. This is a tense area of town, where folks are desperately trying to get to wherever they are headed and we are all out of time. Tensions flare, and yes; fellow motorists are capable of being ugly. Have you ever held up traffic for a couple extra seconds to let a fellow motorist in front of you, or perhaps through to the other side? Most of the time that person will wave a little "thank you" wave and all is well. One feels good for having done a good deed so early in the morning! Great way to start the day. What about the one that didn't? The one who felt they were entitled, and didn't even acknowledge you?
How about having your hands/arms full of bags of groceries, and someone kindly steps aside to let you through the door, or better yet holds it open for you? Did you tell them "thank you!" ?
How about appreciation at work? Most of us were taught at a young age to say, "please" and "thank you". What happened to using it as an adult? In speaking with several different people in various positions in the business world about what one thing they could change in their jobs; its that they want to be appreciated. What? Nothing about more money? That was way down the list of things they would like to change. Surprised?
We all like to know we have done or are doing our job well. Most of us want to know if we are not, and how to improve. Yes, there are evaluations we all get anxious over, but I'm speaking of the day to day work relationships we develop. We tend to spend more time with our co-workers than our families! Shouldn't there be some "appreciation basics" that we all adapt into our everyday conversations? YES!
Imagine what work would be like for the manager whose employees were thankful for their jobs; and employees who were told often how much their work was appreciated? Genuine appreciation given often reaps huge benefits for everyone in the office.
There have been jobs in the past that I have given my all too. I would still be there today if I truly felt that I had made a difference while in that position. Do you realize that by investing some appreciation in someone (be it your employee or your boss) you are creating job stability, and success of that company? Not to mention the value your customers feel just by being around you and your employees! There are waiting lists at such companies as Google, Microsoft, Pepsi, ect. due to the investment the management places in their employees. People want to come to work, productivity goes up, unemployment goes down; what a concept!
It's working! There are actually people called life coaches that go into businesses and meet with the management to "help" them implement basic office etiquette. They get paid to teach folks how to be polite! Maybe I have found my calling!
Until next time, please take time to show your appreciation to others, it's amazing how it will effect your relationships positively!