Appreciation makes a difference!

Do you remember reciting a little rhyme that goes “2-4-6-8, who do you appreciate?” It often was yelled by cheerleaders at a sports event. The crowd would yell back the name of the team they appreciated. Now, we’ll certainly yell back that we appreciate the team at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – and here’s why.

We realized that the Arboretum was having Appreciation Day for members because they know that appreciation makes a difference. Also, through March 3rd they are featuring the Spring Flower Show called Passport to Spring. Maybe you are feeling like we are, that winter can be beautiful but lately it has been a bit too much with the cold and all the snow. So, we went to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to enjoy some appreciation and that passport to spring.

What a difference it made to be at the Arboretum, walking around among the flowers and fountains instead of the slush and snow outside. The minute we walked in, we felt transported into springtime with the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of bubbling fountains. Different countries are being highlighted in nine vignettes with flowers, foliage and art representative of their countries.

Appreciation Day happens two times a year and there are many special activities. We enjoyed treats, games and music. Renae Stuewe, Nate Kells and Mary Moulton were some of the friendly Arboretum team who were greeting, serving and showing their appreciation to members and guests. Appreciation Day ended with many people having experienced a wonderful time but the Spring Flower Show will continue so we all can still escape winter and appreciate those springtime feelings.

Appreciation is expressed a lot on another special day – Valentine’s Day. People give gifts, cards and flowers to let others know they care. These are nice gestures but we wonder why we often wait until that day to give appreciation. In everyday life, it’s easy for relationships to get “old” and to take people for granted. Showing appreciation is an important way to revitalize relationships.

Sometimes we get busy but it doesn’t take long to tell people what you appreciate about them. Appreciation doesn’t have to be shown with a gift, like candy. Maybe it’s a gift of your time and attention. Maybe it’s a letter or note you write telling them that they are special. I (Lynn) received a note this week and it made me feel very special. In giving appreciation, you can also do something for people to show that you care. Expressing appreciation can make a big difference in your relationships.

You might agree that showing appreciation is important for personal relationships, but why does appreciation matter in work relationships? It matters because it’s still a relationship between people who have feelings. In the work setting, when appreciation is given, it promotes a healthy culture in the organization.

Some companies are becoming more aware of how important appreciation is for employees and that there is a difference between recognition and appreciation. Recognition is about achievement and it is nice to have achievement recognized. But appreciation is about the person, not just what he or she does. A study out of UC Berkley showed that when people were recognized for what they achieved, they became 23% more productive. However, when they felt appreciated, valued and cared for, they were 43% more productive.

Yes, people work harder when they are appreciated and they also stay on a job longer. The US Department of Labor statistics show that one of the biggest reasons people leave jobs is that they don’t feel appreciated. We also see in our work as psychologist and success coaches, that not feeling appreciated can cause people to doubt, stray or leave personal relationships and that expressing appreciation does much to help revitalize relationships.

So, we see that appreciation is important in both personal relationships and work relationships. What about you? Where would you like to show more appreciation to the people in your life?

Here’s a challenge: Now as you recite that little rhyme “2-4-6-8, who do you appreciate? 3-5-7-9, who do you think is mighty fine?” What names would you yell out for who you appreciate and who is “mighty fine”? Let them know you appreciate them and tell them why. When you show appreciation, good feelings grow and you will also reap the benefits. Margaret Cousins said, “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life.”

Appreciation makes a difference! For better relationships and a more caring world, let’s express appreciation every day and change some lives. Remember always, that we appreciate you!

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2018 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.