“I Hope You Know How Much I Appreciate You.”

I have actually heard those exact words, “I hope you know how much I appreciate you” spoken directly to me.

After what can seem like an interminable absence of ever hearing any expressed appreciation, a manager will somehow be triggered by something to finally come by your office or place of work, and then preface saying “thanks” with those not so reassuring words of phony appreciation.

Can you really believe them?

Some managers think that by suddenly making a surprise appearance to give their infrequent acknowledgment, that this is all it will take to keep you loyal and engaged at work.

Please beware of anyone who prefaces their statements of appreciation with lines like that. And, at the same time, be sensitive yourself to the choice of words you use whenever giving recognition to people.

Those who work with us desire to feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. When you give recognition it has to be real.

They trust that you will be the kind of caring person to regularly and consistently acknowledge them for their personal qualities and all that they do.

So the frequency of whatever manner of expressed appreciation becomes part of the legitimacy and authenticity for all future forms of acknowledgement and recognition.

Don’t let people guess, assume, or even hope to know if you appreciate them or not.

If you really appreciate the people you work with, you would tell them. And not only that, they should already know.

Q: Do the people you work with already know you appreciate them?

Roy is no longer writing new content for this site (he has retired!), but you can subscribe to Engage2Excel’s blog as Engage2Excel will be taking Roy’s place writing about similar topics on employee recognition and retention, leadership and strategy.