In keeping with my recent Dale Carnegie theme, one of the “Carnegie-isms” is “Give Honest and Sincere Appreciation.” This is very important in all interpersonal relationships, whether online or offline. We should never forget that all our associates are human beings and hunger for appreciation. Remember the phrase: “the desire to be important.” It is very significant. Anyone can point out when someone has screwed up. Unfortunately, the only recognition that many people ever get is when they mess up. I suggest that we sneak up and catch people doing something right.
Don’t flatter people. Flattery does more harm than good. Appreciation is sincere and flattery is insincere. One comes from the heart out and one comes from the teeth out. One is unselfish; the other selfish. Think about people’s good points and we won’t have to resort to something as cheap and false as flattery. People aren’t stupid; they know when they’re being fed a line. Give honest and sincere appreciation.
People do better work and put forth far greater effort under the spirit of approval than they ever do under a spirit of criticism. We’re all very busy and we often take our spouses and business partners for granted and we rarely let them know that we appreciate them. There are few things people need as much as nourishment for their self-esteem. Realize this and take a minute to show appreciation. We often forget that what we give we receive in return. Pay it forward. Show appreciation. Do it without expecting it to come back to you immediately. It will come back. It’s not our job to rush the harvest. Just plant the seeds.
