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On a scale of 0-10, how appreciated do you feel at work?
Published 26 days ago • 4 min read
Hello Reader, As we settle into 2026, I've been reflecting on something that came up repeatedly in my years of interviewing thousands of candidates: the power of appreciation at work.
I met people at all levels and stages of their careers - some couldn't leave their jobs fast enough, while others weren't actively looking but were open to "opportunities" because someone told them they should always keep their options open. Here's what fascinated me: the ones who stayed happy weren't necessarily making more money or working fewer hours. They stayed because they felt genuinely appreciated.
The ones who wanted out? They'd tell me stories of working tirelessly on projects, delivering excellent results, only to be met with deafening silence. Or they'd describe being overwhelmed and overworked while their manager never once asked if they needed help or acknowledged their effort during crunch time.
The ones who stayed? They'd light up talking about their leadership. They'd describe managers who scheduled regular team gatherings to get input, shared meals to bond, acknowledged hard work during busy seasons, and stayed positive and encouraging even when things got tough. These leaders showed they cared - not just about the business, but about their people.
It wasn't about the money. It was something much more fundamental.
The Appreciation Gap
This gets me thinking: how often do we actually acknowledge one another?
Consider these questions:
On a scale of 0-10, how appreciated do you feel by your immediate supervisor?
And on that same scale, how appreciated do you feel by your coworkers?
Without appreciation, we don't feel valued as workers. We start to feel like a commodity or a machine - and that's no fun at work. It's neither personally nor professionally fulfilling.
But here's the thing: appreciation goes beyond just saying "thanks." It's about authentically recognizing someone's efforts in a way that resonates with them specifically. And the best part? Anyone can do it - whether you're a manager, a peer, or even a client. But it must be genuine and aligned with what matters to that person.
Appreciation Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
If you've ever read Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages, you'll appreciate his work on the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. His insight? Appreciation is important, but it needs to be delivered in a way that matches the individual's preferred "language."
For example:
Suzie would find receiving an award in front of a large group torturous - she hates the attention. What she'd actually value? Dedicated time with her supervisor to share her ideas on improving customer service.
Richard values acts of service. He'd be genuinely touched if a colleague or supervisor stayed late with him one evening to help get a project across the finish line.
The same gesture that energizes one person might fall completely flat - or even feel uncomfortable - for another.
Showing Genuine Appreciation: A Quick Guide
When it comes to workplace etiquette, showing appreciation thoughtfully can strengthen relationships and build a culture where people actually want to stay. Here's how to make your appreciation land well:
DO:
Be specific - Instead of "great job," try "the way you handled that difficult client call showed real professionalism and problem-solving"
Match the person's preference - Pay attention to whether they light up from public recognition, private praise, quality time, tangible help, or thoughtful gestures
Make it timely - Acknowledge efforts soon after they happen, not weeks later when the moment has passed
Consider the effort, not just the outcome - Sometimes the hardest work happens on projects that don't pan out, and that dedication still deserves recognition
Look beyond your direct reports - Appreciate peers, cross-functional partners, and anyone who makes your work life better
DON'T:
Give generic praise that could apply to anyone
Only recognize the same people repeatedly while others go unnoticed
Make it transactional ("thanks for that, now here's more work")
I'm partnering with sales trainer Ami Trivedi of High Performa for an elevated dining experience designed to sharpen your etiquette, strengthen your executive presence, and teach you how to build genuine client relationships over meals - without feeling salesy or awkward.
Whether you're navigating a high-stakes business lunch or simply want to feel more confident in professional dining settings, this hands-on class will give you the tools to make every meal meaningful.
Interested? Reply to this email and I'll share all the details with you.
Gen Z Professionals: Monthly Coffee Meet-Up | Jan. 21
Calling all Gen Z professionals! Join us for a casual space to connect with peers, navigate workplace challenges together, and find community. No forced networking vibes - just real conversations with people who get it. Whether you're dealing with feeling underappreciated at work, navigating workplace dynamics, or experiencing imposter syndrome, this is your judgment-free zone.
Know a Gen Z professional who could use this? Please feel free to forward this their way or connect us - I'd love to meet them!
I'm excited to share that I was recently a guest on "Talent Thrives Here," the Lefort Talent Group podcast where host Lance Lefort talks with people managing people. We had a wonderful conversation about why I'm so passionate about helping professionals elevate their leadership presence and master the unwritten rules of workplace success. Lance and I discussed everything from the importance of business etiquette in hybrid work environments to how professional presence can be the differentiator that gets you promoted. If you're interested in learning more about what I do and why I believe technical skills get you hired but professional presence gets you promoted, I'd love for you to have a listen.
Appreciation transforms workplaces. It's the difference between people counting down the days until they can leave and people feeling energized to show up each day. This new year, let's commit to noticing the efforts around us and acknowledging them in ways that actually matter to the people we work with.
Here's to a 2026 filled with genuine recognition, stronger teams, and workplaces where people feel truly valued!
Subscribe for tips on handling workplace challenges, building communication and social skills, and exclusive course updates. Hear success stories from professionals, perfect for young professionals and leaders aiming to sharpen their skills and foster respect.
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