Anton Guinea
Entrepreneur, Speaker, bestselling author, and founder of The Guinea Group of Companies. For over 15 years, Anton has helped leaders move their teams to become psychologically safe, physically safe and overall better versions of themselves.
When was the last time you genuinely thanked someone on your team?
If you’re struggling to remember, you’re not alone. Many leaders I work with underestimate just how much a simple “thank you” can impact their team’s morale and performance. But let me assure you—appreciation matters. And it matters a lot.
Why Appreciation Makes a Difference
Feeling appreciated is a fundamental human need. Think about it: when someone recognises your hard work, doesn’t it give you a little boost? Doesn’t it make you feel like your efforts matter?
Research shows that consistent appreciation leads to increased employee engagement, reduced turnover, and higher productivity. This article highlights just how powerful appreciation can be in shaping positive workplace dynamics.
But building that culture isn’t automatic—it requires intentional actions from you as a leader. So, how do we get started?
Start with Genuine Communication
Communication is everything. To show appreciation effectively, you need to get your message right. I often tell the leaders I coach that clear, meaningful conversations lay the groundwork for genuine appreciation. This isn’t about superficial praise, but sincere recognition of specific behaviours or results.
Learning how to have meaningful conversations allows you to express appreciation authentically. Saying something like, “Hey, your input in yesterday’s meeting was crucial in helping us solve that problem,” is far more impactful than a generic “Good job!”
Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition
Building appreciation shouldn’t rest solely on your shoulders. Creating opportunities for your team members to recognise each other’s efforts can amplify the impact significantly. I’ve noticed that when appreciation becomes part of everyday interactions, teams start looking out for each other more proactively.
Something as simple as starting a meeting with team members sharing something they appreciated about a colleague can dramatically improve the team’s atmosphere. Here’s a fantastic resource with more practical ideas to encourage peer recognition.
Psychological Safety is Your Foundation
I can’t stress enough how closely appreciation is tied to psychological safety. People need to feel secure enough to express themselves and take risks without fear of judgement or ridicule. When they do, recognition and appreciation flow much more naturally.
I regularly discuss why psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams. It’s critical to creating an environment where appreciation feels genuine rather than forced.
Understand and Value Emotional Intelligence
Leaders who practice emotional intelligence (EI) naturally excel at building a culture of appreciation. They’re attuned to their team’s emotional states, making it easier to acknowledge and celebrate successes in ways that resonate deeply.
Developing your EI can transform your leadership style, making you more approachable and effective. In fact, leading with emotion is something I believe strongly in because it encourages a workplace where appreciation becomes part of your team’s DNA.
Practical Tips for Immediate Action
- Be specific: General praise is forgettable. Clearly state what behaviour you’re appreciating.
- Be timely: Recognition is most impactful when given promptly after the appreciated action.
- Customise it: Some team members appreciate public recognition, others prefer a quiet “thank you”. Know your people.
If you’re looking for a deeper dive into how this applies to your unique situation, feel free to reach out to me directly. I love helping leaders build teams that thrive through appreciation.
Or you can always contact my team via our contact page for more personalised support.
Appreciation isn’t just something nice to have. It’s a cornerstone of effective leadership that every workplace should embrace. Start today, and you’ll quickly see the benefits in team morale, performance, and engagement. Your team deserves it—and so do you.
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