Turbo-Charged Appreciation: A Special Way to Be Thankful
The best aspect about effective relationships is that they are dependable, reliable, and mutually supportive. However, the downside is that we assume they’ll always be present. Frequently, we take them for granted, especially the significant ones. The most impactful leaders are not only thankful for those relationships, but they also know how to demonstrate appreciation in a most impactful way by using what can be described as “turbo-charged” appreciation.
Like some of you, I experienced the loss of several loved ones within a single year. Each time, the heart-wrenching grief felt overwhelming and came with little hope for comfort. Each time, family, friends, and colleagues traveled great distances to attend a memorial, sharing their heartfelt descriptions of our loved ones as angelic, a blessing, a real friend, and special. We recounted wonderful memories and stories that evoked joy, intertwined with sadness and laughter. That act of expressing deep appreciation for those who have passed is not unique to my family.
One thing recently returned to focus for me: my significant relationships are a gift. I need to make a better effort to express to those who matter the most to me – whether in my family, career, or social circles – how much they mean to me, and how much I appreciate them. It’s important to do this now instead of waiting to share those feelings later with others.
Turbo-Charged Appreciation
A turbo-charged appreciation is an appreciation that transcends a simple thank you to others. It’s important to note that recognizing others is a key trait of effective leadership. However, turbo-charged appreciation is practiced by exceptional leaders who desire to be impactful and memorable.
That type of appreciation is “soul-deep.” It’s a strategic appreciation shared with those we have a close emotional bond, like family and best friends, as well as those who have a significant impact on us, like mentors, coaches, and sponsors.
How To Turbo-Charge Your Appreciation
The foundation of appreciation is understanding it’s all about the other person. Therefore, it’s not thanking them for doing something for you. Rather, when you appreciate someone, you are recognizing who the person is.
That is a higher level of communication than just telling someone how great they are doing a job. It necessitates a deeper emotional connection. Now, this can be natural for some leaders and challenging for others. Here are a few approaches to enhance your ability to express genuine “turbo-charged” appreciation of those who positively impact your life.
Identify someone who has made a significant impact on your life and who will be the recipient of your turbo-charged appreciation.
- Choose the appropriate time and place where you can talk without distractions. That means, cell phones on vibrate, and screens facing down.
- Be genuine and authentic. Make eye contact while speaking to the person.
- Share how this individual has impacted you and how much you appreciate them. It may help to write down your thoughts beforehand.
- Express why you are sharing your feelings of appreciation with them.
- Of course, the old, tried, but true method still works: A hand-written heartfelt letter of appreciation is an alternate method you can use.
Some will tell you actions speak louder than words. That means, doing something significant for the person is important. It’s equally vital to explain why you are taking the action and to express your appreciation for them.
Your loved ones may value the time you spend together more than anything else as this is how the most wonderful memories are created. To enhance these memories, communicate your feelings clearly with your turbo-charged appreciation. If you write a letter, consider reading it out loud so they can hear your words directly. If reading it is uncomfortable, remember they understand, and just imagine the positive impact it will have on them and how much they’ll appreciate your effort!
Taking these steps can enhance the meaningfulness of your appreciation.
There’s no better time to show how thankful and appreciative we are for the gift of others than now. The most memorable way to communicate that thankfulness is to provide a turbo-charged appreciation.
When I lost my brother, I looked around the room and asked myself. If I was to lose another brother, what would I say about him?
The next question I asked myself was: “Have I ever told that to him?”
Leadership is ineffective without relationships. Of course, a quote attributed to John C. Maxwell is that If you are leading but no one is following, you are just out for a walk. So, leaders know the value of relationships and are thankful for them. The most impactful leaders take that knowledge further. They show appreciation for the special relationships in the most impactful way by using turbo-charged appreciations. Will you?
Empowered Leader Reflection
Who are you going to provide a turbo-charged appreciation to within the next 30 days?
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