Living With Dignity. Anthony Ekanem

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      Reflect a time when you did something good for someone, and they did not consider it important to acknowledge you with thanks. How did you feel? So, whether it is the waiter handing you your dinner bill or your partner folding your laundry, remember to say "thank you", and mean it. Do not under-estimate the power of those two words when it comes to appreciation and acknowledgement.

      Focus on the Positive

      It is very natural to point out what other people do wrong rather than what they do right. Next time you are about to criticise someone, stop and think of something good you can say about them instead. Always balance love with positive feedback. Both children and adults need reassurance that they are doing something right in their life.

      Give Gifts.

      Think of a reason or occasion to give someone a gift outside of a birthday, anniversary or holiday. Or perhaps, have no reason at all – just give! A gift could be a present, a meal, a compliment, an outing or anything extraordinary you do for another person. You don't always have to spend much money to give someone a gift. It could even be a gift of your time or listening.

      Speak Your Appreciation.

      Have the habit of telling people what you love or appreciate about them. Do not wait until you are at their funeral or after they have left you before you can say good things about them. Say it when it counts the most, and not when it is too late.

      Acknowledge work well done regularly. Comments of appreciation can range from the specific like, "The way you handled that client meeting was brilliant," to the general, "I appreciate the great work you do." If you are not used to showing appreciation to other people, start small and then build up. It is the kind of practice that makes everyone feel better.

      Use Touch

      A good hug or a shoulder rub can be all a person needs to feel like they are appreciated. Touch, when appropriately used, can create a physical, emotional and spiritual connection that is critical at all stages of human life and relationship; from infanthood to adulthood.

      Make Eye Contact.

      Nothing feels worse than someone who cannot look you in the eyes when they are talking to you. It can make you feel uncomfortable, unwanted and even unimportant in some instances. Proper eye contact shows people that their presence, thoughts and words are important to you. When you are discussing with someone, look them straight in the eye. You are talking to a human being like you, not your phone or your shoes!

      Boast in Public.

      Famous or not, everyone contributes to this world. If there is someone in your life that you feel should be recognised, do something public about it. It could be a toast during a small dinner gathering or a speech at a big party. What is important is the intent to recognise someone in front of others.

      Be Present.

      Nothing says "you don't matter" more than answering a call or texting while you are with someone else. It is like being on a date while your date checks out the other candidates passing by! Be present for the people you are with. Sometimes, you may need to switch off your mobile phone or put it away. If you must take a call, apologise, and explain why and make it quick. It is just good manners.

      Acknowledge Everyone

      Remember that we are all part and parcel of the human race and deserve equal recognition. Whether you are famous or not, black or white, male or female, child or adult, everybody should be valued equally as a human being. You don’t know where life will take you, so it is important to respect anyone you come in contact with. You never know, that restaurant attendant you walked past, or that homeless person you refused to help could one day be someone you will want to do business with.

      Say "hello".

      Saying "hello" to someone is more than a mere greeting. It is an opportunity to show appreciation for being in the company of an individual.

      Ask how they are doing.

      There is no better icebreaker than asking how someone is doing. Inquire about a project they have been working on. Or you can ask how their family is doing. This shows your acknowledgement of them and the value you place on them as a person. When you ask an individual about their family, it shows your interest in the whole person. And like listening, it is a language of caring, which makes people feel like they matter, which affects performance and motivation in simple but effective ways.

      Remember their name

      If you don't know someone's name, feel free to ask; then memorise it. This can be challenging if you only see the person occasionally or have trouble remembering names. But it speaks volumes if you can meet a stranger one day and greet them by their name the next time you come across them. It also makes you more memorable.

      Listen

      Social scientists have said that listening is the language of love. When someone listens to you, whether it is an idea you are sharing or a project challenge you are working on, it is supportive if you have someone witness what you are going through. So, put away your mobile phone and any other form of distraction and just listen and be there for that individual that is talking to you.

      Provide opportunity.

      If you are leading a team, give training, education or work challenges that can stretch your team members to learn and grow. If you are not the mentor type, make sure everyone has access to the resources or people they need to keep developing their skills. Nurture a career path they are excited about. Be an advocate for everyone who is doing their best work in a job they love.

      Focus on what they are doing right.

      Did you see a friend or co-worker do something remarkable? I hope you let them know what an excellent job they did! Do not be afraid to speak up to let them know how good they are. Let your partner know how hard they are working or how your co-workers rocked a presentation. You can even tell yourself how great you are doing! Acknowledgement is a way of saying, "I see your greatness!"

      Shine a light on someone's being

      Praise is an excellent way to let people know you acknowledge them. Show people around you that you are a listening person. Attach something specific to your praise. So, instead of saying "that was great", say something like, "I liked how you stayed with the comments you got on your presentation. You gave everyone the time they needed in that meeting".

      ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN LEADERSHIP

      A leader's primary responsibility is to develop people to achieve desired results. What this means is that developing people is always work-in-progress. One of the best ways of bringing the best out of people is through leveraging the power of acknowledgement.

      Everyone likes to be acknowledged or appreciated. Acknowledgement is tied to human’s need to belong. Therefore, the acknowledgement of other people is a very powerful way of meeting that psychological need. Leaders who make acknowledgement an integral part of their leadership style always stand out as a leader worth following.

      Below are the ways acknowledgement of people can make you a better leader:

      You will create a safe environment.

      When team members feel safe, СКАЧАТЬ