Click Here for Printer Friendly Version of this Article

This is the third of five articles based on our recently published book, Five Gifts of Insightful Leaders. This article focuses on the power of “The Gift of Appreciation.” For more information on the book, click on the photo in the sidebar of this newsletter.

How do top-level leaders inspire employees to perform at a high level? What is it about these executives that have helped them reach positions that many of us aspire to achieve? In my executive coaching assignments, I am often in a position to view these individuals in action. It may surprise many to learn that they work very deliberately at recognizing positive performance.

In a recent meeting with the president of a medical device company, I watched as this leader encouraged a vice president to find informal ways to show appreciation to people who had gone the extra mile in their work. “I know we have an outstanding array of formal recognition programs for you to choose from, but sometimes a more personal touch can be very powerful.” This individual truly understood that The Gift of Appreciation is an important component of a high performing culture

What about the stereotype of leaders in small organizations or startups as being deficient in the human side of business? In a survey of the Inc. Magazine 500 CEOs (reported in the November 2005 issue), it was noted that, “These executives scored higher than 82% of the population on their ability to express support and encouragement. The survey also showed that rather than conforming to the stereotype of the hard-charging, bullying entrepreneur, Inc. 500 CEOs succeeded by helping other people – their employees, partners, investors, suppliers – become successful themselves.”

I know that you have an arsenal of formal methods to reward people including raises, stock options and bonuses, however, as you strive to be an outstanding leader, consider the following informal ways for sharing The Gift of Appreciation:

1. Hand written notes

2. Public recognition in a meeting with senior staff

3. Time off

4. Small financial awards including gift certificates

5. Team celebrations to recognize achievement of specific milestones

What can you as a leader do today to express appreciation and inspire continuing high performance?

Note: Our book, Five Gifts of Insightful Leaders, offers many more suggestions on inspiring high performance through appreciation and recognition.

• Related Reading:

  "Leadership and the Gift of Trust"
  "The Most Underrated Leadership Quality"

• Recommended Presentation:

  "Five Gifts of Insightful Leaders" - Speeches by Mark Campbell

Copyright 2006, Mark J. Campbell. All rights reserved.
Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided you let me know where it is being printed, the copyright is not removed, and the following text accompanies each article:

"Mark Campbell partners with organizations for leadership development. For a complimentary subscription to his newsletter, "Management Challenges," go to www.mjcampbellassoc.com."

TOP OF PAGE