Posted by When you are leading a team of people, it is important to let your team members know they are appreciated. People who know they are appreciated will have higher morale. They will be more engaged team members and they will work harder when they know they are appreciated.
According to the Toastmasters International High Performance Leadership manual, there are three ways to show appreciation:
- Give praise and positive recognition
- Respect the ideas and opinions of others
- Use ritual, celebration and ceremony
Praise and Recognition
Giving praise and recognition can be a simple thing. Just give a few words of encouragement.
For example, one time I was the Toastmaster for a District 42 evaluation contest. My role was introducing the test speaker and the contestants. I also had to interview the test speaker while the contestants were out of the room preparing their evaluations. I also had to interview the contestants when the judges scores were being tallied. The audience had over 200 people and this was my first time doing the Toastmaster role in front of such a large audience.
After the contest was over, I was standing on stage, relieved that the whole event was over. I looked up and saw that my fellow club member Michael Szpreglewski had walked up to the stage. He looked up at me and said two simple words: “Good job.” Michael is a leader I respect and his words of encouragement helped boost my self confidence. It made me feel good to know that someone I respect appreciated the work I had done as Toastmaster for the contest.
Respect Other People’s Ideas and Opinions
Appreciation can also be shown by respecting someone’s ideas and opinions. When someone shares an idea, don’t ignore it or shoot it down. Instead, listen carefully and ask questions to be sure you understand the person’s idea. React positively to someone’s ideas and opinions and he will feel appreciated.
Another way to respect someone’s ideas and opinions is to encourage her to share her ideas and opinions. For example, if someone is quiet in a meeting and is not sharing any ideas, encourage her to share her thoughts. By asking her to contribute, you are letting her know you value her contribution.
Ritual, Celebration and Ceremony
Another way to show appreciation is with ritual, celebration and ceremony. Celebrating someone’s success makes him feel appreciated. You could do this with an award’s ceremony or even a party in that person’s honor.
For example, in the Sundowners Toastmasters club we have an official award presentation when someone completes their ice breaker speech. We call him up to the front of the room and present him with an Ice Breaker Certificate that recognizes his accomplishment.
Another example is that the Sundowners Toastmasters club holds a DTM party when a club member achieves her Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM for short) designation. This party is a special club meeting where the focus is all about celebrating the member who earned her DTM.
Conclusion
In conclusion, people want to be appreciated. You can show appreciation by giving praise and positive recognition. You can show appreciation by respecting the ideas and opinions of others. You can show appreciation using ritual, celebration and ceremony.
Letting team members know you appreciate them will increase their morale. They will feel good about themselves and they will become more dedicated team members when they know they are appreciated.