In my job as a motivational speaker, I connect with people from all walks of life. Some seem to have it all going on, while others appear to struggle just making their way through life. But something rings true with both of these groups, even though they seem so markedly different.
They all crave appreciation; every single one of us does. And it turns out that being on either the giving OR receiving end of appreciative words can have a huge impact on us all.
I was recently surprised by an audience of sales pros who were at the top of their game. They were being rewarded for their performance with a fancy appreciation conference at an expensive resort with gourmet food and top speakers (that would be me!). Before I started, I guessed that these people were going to be jaded, cynical, seen-it-all type of folks who would be hard for me to reach. They were a rich, experienced, well-traveled group. They had it all.
It turns out that I couldn’t have been more wrong. There WAS something that they had not heard enough of. Something they still craved, despite their overwhelming success. Something that we ALL need to hear. I told them that they were awesome, important and what they do makes a difference. And I was surprised to find that they were both thrilled and touched. It made an impact.
Many of these battled-hardened sales guys (and when I say guys, the vast majority were guys) came up to me afterward and told me how they really appreciated my message. A couple of them were even a little misty; they were truly touched. I was blown away.
These people are the stars of their company. They are feted, celebrated and paid very, VERY well. I’m certain that their friends, neighbors, and peers think they are wildly successful. And they are. But they still craved acknowledgment.
I was surprised, but I shouldn’t have been. We all crave the same thing. We all want to be acknowledged. Apparently no one—from the supermarket checkout person to your kids’ elementary, middle school or high school teacher, to successful business sales associates, can get enough of being told just how important and appreciated they are. No one hears that enough, not you and not me.
Armed with this knowledge, you can become a superhero. Go out there and say thank you to your family, to your workmates, to your friends. Tell them this: you are important; I appreciate you; you are making a difference. Say it to your kids, say it to your spouse or life partner; say it to your kids’ teachers (especially to them!); say it to your boss; say it to your assistant.
If what they are doing with you and for you makes your job and your life better and easier, tell them so. Let them know that they are important to you and that you are grateful for them. This small investment in time and energy, to do something for others that you believe in, is tremendously satisfying; it will make your day better.
If it feels uncomfortable for you to give someone genuine, heartfelt thanks and gratitude, ease into it. Try it with one person per day for a while. Then increase your dosage. It will get easier each time. Soon you will be a pro at it, and you will feel the effects of this marvelous tonic. Plus you will reap the rewards in all of your relationships.
Who knows? It may even make you some new friends, get you a raise, or best of all, some kisses from your children. Giving praise, with authenticity, is something that is always appreciated, investing in others impacts us all.
Professional motivational speaker Brad Montgomery inspires and teaches audiences to show authentic appreciation and celebrate small victories with his Embrace Your Awesomeness program. His proven strategies enable audiences to find their way to lasting behavior change. Brad presents business keynotes to audiences from coast to coast. Keynotes and interactive leadership breakouts are his forte, but he also presents a few dozen other cool options that will increase your bottom line. Give us a call at 303-691-0726 to find out how Brad can energize and inspire your group.