Appreciation – the Catalyst to Performance

In my last newsletter, I shared with you a few of Jack Canfield’s Success Principles and today, I’d like to share one more: Practice Uncommon Appreciation.

Jack Canfield shares, as you might have heard, before “employees are more motivated by appreciation, the feeling included in things, and an understanding attitude rather than good wages, job security and promotion opportunities.”

What do you think?

Many studies support the importance of appreciation and a participative work environment to enhance productivity, loyalty and even wellbeing of employees. And what is true for employees is also true for entrepreneurs and leaders…who wouldn’t want to feel appreciated?

In his seminar outline Jack Canfield refers to “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.” I’ve heard about the “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman and learned that this book builds upon it. While I personally find the categories a bit simplified, the concept has a lot of value. We all have our preferred “language of appreciation.” Would you feel more appreciated by hearing a sincere recognition from your boss or to see evidence that your boss values your skills by asking you to take on a special project? There is no right or wrong answer. Each of us has a preferred language of appreciation in both our personal and professional lives.

The nature of motivation is also different for everyone, but underneath it all lays a set of ideals. Whether it’s a sincere thank you, a public recognition or a one-time gift, we each have emotions attached to what makes us feel appreciated.

“Our motivation is maximized when we receive our ideal form of praise, encouragement, or reward for our efforts,” Chapman and White note.

Inspired by Chapman’s original book and understanding of the five love languages, Dr. White took the concept into the workplace. “Every person is unique in the way that they feel love or express love in personal relationships, but it’s the same in how they feel appreciated and valued in work relationships,” explains White.

Thus, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace were born:

1. Words of Affirmation – uses words to affirm people
2. Acts of Service – actions speak louder than words
3. Receiving Gifts – people like things to feel appreciated
4. Quality Time – giving someone undivided attention
5. Physical Touch – appropriate touch (pats on the back)

Chapman and White note that identifying each person’s language of appreciation is directly correlated to job satisfaction, increased employee productivity, and to the health of the organization.

Think about this for a moment. When we feel valued and appreciated, we are able to perform at peak levels. It increases our mental and emotional wellbeing, which translates into improved work performance. We not only maximize our personal performance, we inspire our colleagues, enhance our team’s success and contribute to the organization’s growth and excellence.

Are you using Jack’s success principles? I invite you to share your experience and how they’ve shaped your success on my Facebook page .