The other day I walked and found a tall stack of greeting cards wrapped in a bundle on my desk.

I asked myself, “What is this? It’s not my birthday or my anniversary.” So I quickly tore open one of those cards. It was from a church member. He was thanking me for being who I am. I ripped open a second one, it was from a family expressing their love for me. The rest of the cards had similar caring messages some going into specifics about how that person felt I had made a difference in his/her life.

I was blindsided by appreciation and overcome with emotion. I had to pull my seat back and cry.

Sadly many of us have settled into society’s mold where criticism and disapproval is the norm. We are quick to dish out our dissatisfaction with someone at a moment’s notice. (Please refer back to the preacher’s head on the picture above…someone obviously threw a raw egg at him in displeasure)

Seldom do we take time to actually thank and support those who make our lives worth living.

How about making ‘Don’t Hate, Appreciate‘ your daily personal slogan?

If you’re a leader understand the power of appreciation. Recognizing and thanking people makes you approachable. I’ve met leaders, even pastors, with the personality of a sandpaper. Their people are afraid of engaging them.

Appreciating others opens a door to connection and communication that would have remained closed otherwise.

Appreciation also builds a team mentality. It reminds you and your people that you all are working together for one common goal.

Pastors and leaders in any field often tend to be Lone Rangers thinking that they ought to do everything themselves. But that should not be how we operate. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!

We all need each other and appreciation is a great way of showing it.

Gratitude and recognition of others need to be part of your ministry manifesto. Besides, people who are often recognized tend to work hard and do their best at all times. It is a fact that people who feel appreciated are more productive and effective than those who don’t.

Appreciation is a way of building morale in your company.

The owner of the Orlando Magic and founder of Amway products is a billionaire by the name of Rich DeVoss. He wrote a book called Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People. Seven out of the ten phrases have to do with appreciation:

“You can do it” – that’s empowering

“I believe in you” – that’s encouraging

“I’m proud of you” – that’s ego-building

“Thank you” – that’s edifying

“I need you” – that’s endearing

“I trust you” – that’s epic

“I respect you” – that’s enriching

How about showing your appreciation for someone today?

One more thought, making a big deal about what others do not only blesses them but also keeps before you how amazing people are.

Remember that the bottom line of what you’re trying to accomplish is never as important as the people who help get you there. Recognize them. High five them. Fist bump them. Thank them.

Those greeting cards on my desk made such a difference in me on that day and that week. It is still making an impact in me. My people had taken the apostle Paul’s words to heart: “So encourage each other and build each other up.” 1Thessalonians 5:11. To them I say, “Thank you! You are the best!”

Is appreciation easy for you to do or hard? Have you applied this leadership principle in your career? What were the results? Please feel free to leave me a comment.