Affirmation Is Leadership: #7 Appreciate Genuinely. An 11-Part Series.

Saying thank you or showing appreciation in general does not require leadership qualities. Everyone can show appreciation. As a leader however, when you do show appreciation in a genuine way it does convey something that is above and beyond typical expectations of leadership.

Every leader differentiates from management or supervision when they don’t just correct behaviors or follow policies but they actually encourage the strengths and abilities of those that they lead. It is especially true as leaders recognize the potential they see. Whether a CEO of a major corporation or the president of a small organization, leadership takes on a new depth when a leader shows appreciation.

To demonstrate genuineness in leadership you must convey a heart felt and intentional act of kindness toward someone or as you develop a recognition program in your organization. People don’t notice the things we do for them until we stop doing them. Our genuine affirmation isn’t always noticed but it does make a difference.

For leaders who go beyond simple politics or niceness, it demonstrates a giving attitude and nurtured opportunities for those around they lead. This is more of an art than a science because it requires an individual being creative, while working in appropriate ways, to show not only warmth but interest in helping others develop personally and professionally. Attitude is key while showing healthy boundaries as well. Catching someone doing something according to your mission or goals is what a true leader looks for in their workers. Showing appreciation requires a leader to highlight what is in accordance to the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization.

Leaders may convey appreciation in some of the following ways;

1. Saying thank you. Leaders express thanks-giving, which is important because it shows that they are aware of what is being accomplished in the organization. It is in-part giving recognition to those that are doing the work.

2. Creating memorable moments through celebrations is another way that leaders can communicate their appreciation to the team.

Highlighting milestones and achievement of goals is important. In doing so, as a group it conveys trust in individuals as well as showing the genuine appreciation that people long for.

3. Writing notes is important especially when it is a consistent activity that is not isolated to one individual. One thing that a leader doesn’t want to do is to convey favortism. It can create a misunderstanding and often conveyors an inappropriate action. Activities such as sending flowers or other gifts is not appropriate because it’s not something that can be conveyed consistently across all of your employees. For an office where there is only one administrative leader it could be misunderstood as well but providing a gift from the leadership board is an act of genuine appreciation.

4. Making a public statement of appreciation is also an effective way of conveying trust and appreciation but it also establishes the example of the mission being fulfilled. Certain values that are consistent to your mission help create the culture and developing the culture of appreciation which also helps others in management to follow the leader.

Leadership is affirmation. Shown through actions and words affirmation helps convey the importance of your team and it elevates the status of every individual. By doing this helps those that may not work as hard or demonstrates well their commitment to the team and the organization’s values and mission.

Read article #8 here.