In her book, Grateful Leadership, Judith Umlas contends that next to survival, acknowledgment is the greatest human need.
Leaders live with broad vision in general. But on a daily basis, this must translate to acknowledging those who are part of helping to make it happen.
In living this way, which takes courage and confidence on the part of the leader, you begin building a culture where people are loyal, committed, and content. They work harder and are more successful. Acknowledging your people is a way of building genuine trust that can help you and your team give your best effort.
Too often leaders only recognize. There’s a place for this, but it’s not the same as acknowledgement.
RECOGNITION IS AN APPRECIATION FOR AN ACTION.
Maybe you’re recognizing someone for their quick response on email, the first to turn in a report, or their number of sales in one day.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IS AN APPRECIATION FOR WHO THEY ARE.
What you admire and what inspires you about them and their value to the team and to the organization.
Both recognition and acknowledgement is needed in an organization, but too often, leaders confuse them. When they look back, they realize they have only recognized people and never really acknowledged them.
Acknowledgement diffuses jealousy, energizes your team, and improves well being at home or work.
Work to practice acknowledgement in different ways among your team and staff today. Appreciate your people for who they are and let them know with word – verbal or written.