How to Express Appreciation

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 "At work, people express and receive appreciation in different ways. If you try to express appreciation in ways that aren’t meaningful to your co-workers, they may not feel valued at all. This is because you and your co-workers are speaking different languages. In The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, you will identify the five languages of appreciation in order to express genuine appreciation to co-workers and staff" - Amazon.com.

Five Appreciation Languages at Work

  1. Words of Affirmation. Using words to communicate a positive message to another person.
    • One on One.
    • In front of others (if they feel comfortable).
    • Written email.
  2. Quality Time: Giving the person your focused attention.
    • Eye contact, no distractions.
    • Listen to feelings and thoughts.
  3. Acts of Service: Providing assistance.
    • Ask before you help.
    • Check your attitude.
    • Do it their way.
    • Complete what you start 
      • Or let to know in advance how much time you have and let them decide.
  4. Tangible Gifts: Giving physical items.
    • Give gifts to those who appreciate them.
    • Gifts must be something the person values.
    • Can be time off 
    • The most common is food 
  5. Physical Touch: Person-to-person contact.
    • Handshakes.
    • High fives.
    • Fist bumps.
    • Brief hugs (especially in emotional times).

Ideas for Application

Language 1. Words of Affirmation

  • Acknowledge my effort on a project I am in / but not in the presence of my teammates.
  • When appropriate, I'd like to be recognized in front of others for work well done.
  • Praise me in private, not in front of anyone else.
  • Occasionally tell me “thanks” – in person – for my contribution.
  • Send me an email to let me know what I am doing well.
  • Recognize when I have handled a difficult situation.
  • Tell others (when I am not around) about the good job I am doing.
  • Give me a specific compliment about some aspect of my character or personality.
  • In my review, make a list of positives regarding how I am doing.
  • Give our team a group compliment when we have done well.
  • Let my colleagues know when I have achieved significant goals or completed important tasks.
  • A handwritten note of appreciation is particularly meaningful to me.
  • Other ___.

Language 2. Quality Time

  • Go to coffee or lunch together to talk about work issues.
  • Go to coffee or lunch together and not talk about work issues.
  • Go to lunch together as a team of colleagues.
  • Stop by in person to check in with me regarding how things are going.
  • Call me occasionally to "check in" to see how I am doing.
  • Get together for occasional after-hours team events.
  • Take a walk together if feasible, rather than meet in the office.
  • Take part in an out-of-the-office event/retreat for our team.
  • Have a regular (e.g., weekly) “check-in” meeting to catch up.
  • Other ___.

Language 3. Acts of Service

  • Stay after hours to help me complete a project.
  • Ask me what you could do to help me (and then follow through).
  • Offer to do some routine tasks that will allow me to focus on higher priorities.
  • Offer to do some task for me that I dislike doing.
  • Stop by and work with me on a project I need to complete.
  • Help me clean up / organize my office or desk.
  • Review/edit a written document for me.
  • Offer to be a backup for me when I’m on leave or out sick.
  • Help me understand how to get the most out of my technology tools.
  • Come in early to help me get something done.
  • Other ___.

Language 4. Tangible Gifts

  • Take me to lunch as a gesture of appreciation.
  • Give a small gift card to my favorite place, which is ___.
  • Bring my favorite coffee / hot beverage/snack / ___.
  • Find a book or magazine related to my interests or area of expertise, such as ___.
  • Bring in cake, cookies, or snacks to celebrate!
  • Bring something from an interesting place you’ve been to.
  • Give, as a token of appreciation:
    • An Agency Challenge Coin
    • A Time-Off award
    • Agency lanyards, pens, or coffee mugs
    • Commemorative pins/patches/posters
  • Other ___.

Language 5. Physical Touch

  • Handshakes.
  • High fives.
  • Fist bumps.
  • Brief hugs (especially in emotional times).
  • Be careful to avoid misunderstandings.

Resources

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