Appreciation doesn’t cost much, but the absence of it will cost you a lot.
One leader I coached began ending every team meeting by asking, “Who helped you succeed this week?” At first there was awkward silence. Within a month, laughter, gratitude, and connection filled the room. What started as awkward silence became the heartbeat of their meetings.
Recognition doesn’t have to be grand — it just has to be genuine. A handwritten note, a quick message, or a moment of acknowledgment in a meeting can mean more than any formal award. What matters most isn’t the size of the gesture, but the sincerity behind it. When people feel truly seen for their effort and impact, they feel connected.
When recognition ties back to core values, it reinforces what matters.
It turns appreciation into alignment. For example, when you recognize someone for demonstrating collaboration, integrity, or innovation, you’re reminding the team that those values aren’t just words on the wall — they’re expectations in action. Over time, that consistency builds trust and shapes the behavior you.
When peers recognize each other, it builds belonging.
When appreciation flows horizontally, not just top-down, it creates belonging. It tells your team, we see each other. People begin to understand that their contributions matter not only to their leader but to the people they work alongside every day. That sense of mutual respect is the heartbeat of a healthy team.
When appreciation is specific, it fuels motivation.
Saying “Great job” is kind, but saying “I really appreciate how you handled that difficult client conversation with empathy and calm” is transformative. It reinforces confidence and makes people want to repeat the behavior. Specific recognition turns generic praise into guidance.
When was the last time you told someone exactly how their work made a difference?
As a leader, your words carry weight. Encourage your people to celebrate one another and to call out kindness. When recognition becomes everyone’s responsibility, it shifts from a management task to a cultural rhythm.
So, the next time someone does something that makes your workday easier, say it out loud. Because appreciation, when spoken often and sincerely, becomes one of the most powerful tools of leadership.
Give it freely and watch your culture change.
If you want to build a culture rooted in trust and accountability, explore Level Up Your Leadership Potential Free Strategy Call or Unlocking Your Leadership DNA™. Let’s talk about the kind of culture you want to create — and the leader you want to become — in the year ahead.
