Good Intentions vs. Actual Expression

It's all too easy to confuse our positive feelings or good intentions about others with actually expressing our appreciation for their contributions.  But unexpressed good feelings mean nothing to anyone else.  In other cases, we wait for formal recognition activities rather than giving more frequent and personal positive feedback.

Our energy levels are charged from internal and external sources.  Highly self-directed people have strong inner resources from which they draw their energy.  But most people's energy levels are highly dependent on the responses they get from others, such as teachers, parents, spouses, bosses, team members, or peers that they look to for direction and support.  Too many people drain the energy of others with criticism, pessimism, and apathy.  Highly effective leaders boost the energy of others with their optimism, passion, and appreciation.  They work hard to give people early and frequent tastes of success.  The recognition and celebration recharges everyone and makes them eager to do more.

(Excerpt from the book Growing the Distance by Jim Clemmer pg. 165)

Highly effective leaders find ways to thank, appreciate, recognize, and celebrate accomplishments of others.