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William Arthur Ward
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
– William Arthur Ward
IN the dynamic landscape of leadership, where the stakes are high and decisions carry weighty consequences, we often overlook a simple yet profound tool: appreciation. As leaders, our challenge is not only to guide and inspire but to cultivate an atmosphere where every individual feels valued for their contributions. Without appreciation, leadership becomes soulless, a mere administrative function devoid of warmth and genuine connection. Today, we invite you to reflect on the power of appreciation within the realm of leadership and how it can transform both organisations and communities.
The Journey of Leading: Why Appreciation Matters
Leadership is a journey – a continuous evolution marked by our choices, actions, and, crucially, our interactions with others. In this journey, appreciation stands as a guiding star, illuminating paths of collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. So, what do we mean by appreciation? At its core, appreciation is the recognition of an individual’s efforts, strengths, and contributions. It goes beyond a simple “thank you” to encompass a profound acknowledgement of an individual’s intrinsic value and the impact he has on the collective.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Every gentle nod of appreciation can incite change, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes and innovation thrives. Similarly, renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell asserts, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This encapsulates the essence of leadership: the ability to connect on a human level.
The Importance of Appreciation in Leadership
Appreciation in leadership is not merely a feel-good concept; it is a cornerstone of effective management. When leaders express appreciation, they foster loyalty, increase morale, and enhance productivity. Acknowledging the hard work and effort of team members cultivates a sense of belonging and motivates individuals to perform at their best.
Consider the words of former President Barack Obama: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope.” Appreciation empowers individuals to take initiative and ownership of their roles, creating an atmosphere of proactive engagement.
The Consequences of a Community Without Appreciation
Imagine a community devoid of appreciation. In such an environment, individuals feel underappreciated and undervalued. Morale dwindles, silos emerge, and collaboration becomes a rare occurrence. Innovation is stifled, and stagnation sets in. In a world where appreciation is absent, a toxic culture of resentment, indifference, and disengagement can take root. According to a Gallup study, organisations with higher employee appreciation and engagement are 21% more productive. This stark statistic reinforces the critical need for appreciation in leadership, as disengagement can cost companies billions in lost productivity annually.
Envisioning a World That Values Appreciation
Now, let us envision a world where appreciation is not just an afterthought but a fundamental principle woven into the fabric of our communities and organisations. Such a world would flourish on empathy, kindness, and understanding. Employees would feel seen and heard, leading to creativity and innovation that ripple outward.
Research from the Harvard Business Review indicates that recognition and appreciation drive employee satisfaction, with 79% of employees stating they would work harder if they felt their efforts were recognised. This data highlights the profound potential for appreciation to catalyse transformation both within organisations and the broader community.
Exemplifying Appreciation in Organisations
One noteworthy example of an organisation that champions appreciation is Lions Clubs International. This global community service organisation is driven by a commitment to serving others, but much of its success lies in its culture of appreciation. Lions Clubs recognise the efforts of their volunteers and members regularly, encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Through monthly meetings, awards, and personal acknowledgements, the organisation fosters a strong culture of gratitude that empowers its members to further their service goals.
On the corporate side, companies like Google and Zappos exemplify a commitment to appreciation in their cultures. They prioritise employee recognition, creating environments where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute to the organisation’s success.
Relating to ‘Leadership Horizon’
Leadership is an expansive horizon – a continuum where past experiences inform current actions and future aspirations. Embracing a leadership style rooted in appreciation requires introspection and a commitment to authenticity. As leaders, we must navigate the delicate balance between achieving results and nurturing relationships. The horizon is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about enriching the journey.
When leaders genuinely appreciate their team members, they foster loyalty and, ultimately, a sustainable leadership model. This vision aligns with Simon Sinek’s philosophy: “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.” It is a call to elevate our appreciation to a core value, shaping how we lead and connect with those around us.
Vision for the Future
As we conclude this exploration of leadership and appreciation, let us hold onto a vision: a world where love and kindness are intrinsic to our interactions. This vision transcends mere acknowledgement; it fosters an environment where appreciation becomes a catalyst for change, growth, and development. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to cultivate a culture that embraces appreciation as a key leadership competency.
Let us remember the words of Albert Schweitzer: “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” As leaders, when we lead with appreciation, we nurture compassion and serve those who look to us for guidance. In this journey, we discover that appreciation is not just an act; it is a powerful force that can reshape our world, one heartfelt acknowledgement at a time.
Leadership and Duties
The only way people can truly experience a sense of duty – towards their family, their community, their country, and the planet – is through gratitude. Only a grateful heart can awaken to the weight and beauty of responsibility. That is why we are working around the world to help people become more aware of the countless blessings they receive each day. By nurturing gratitude, we pave the way for individuals to assume their responsibilities and give back in proportion to what they have received.
In summation, as we strive to be effective leaders, let us continually reflect on the value of appreciation in shaping our communities. Let us elevate our recognition of others, infusing our leadership with love and kindness, transforming not just our organisations but the very fabric of society itself. The future belongs to those who appreciate the journey, honour the contributions of others, and lead with heart. Together, let us step boldly into this vision, committed to building more appreciative, connected, and compassionate communities.
Maya Angelou
“I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people. You can be a leader without a title, and the best leaders are those who appreciate the contributions of others.” – Maya Angelou
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writers can be reached at argenisangulo@gmail.com and lawleepoh@gmail.com.
