“There are two things the people want more than sex and money – recognition and praise.”

~Mary Kay Ash

“Money makes the world go around” is a song from Cabaret, but this quote tells us differently. My experience with a multitude of clients agrees with Mary Kay.

People may want sex and money – many people do. However, people also want recognition and praise. I have witnessed an absolute thirst for recognition, praise, feedback, appreciation, and respect – in my corporate coaching clients, life coaching clients, developmental workshop attendees, friend, colleagues, and loved ones – throughout all those with whom I come in contact.

What is this yearning that rules so many of us? Whenever I teach feedback skills I always ask the audience who gets enough positive feedback (or feedback overall). No one raises their hands. I then ask who gives enough feedback. Again, no one raises their hands. There is a dearth of recognition and acknowledgement in our lives and around us. This is a need that can be filled.

I challenge my clients to see what others do well and to praise them. To recognize achievements, contributions, and met expectations. So often we simply expect those around us to behave in a certain way, to reach a certain level or standard…and we don’t acknowledge them and their efforts when they do. It would help others, and it would help us as well, if we simply did our best to tell everyone who we care about and depend on what they do right…and how much we appreciate them.

Find at least two people and praise them sincerely for a job well done and truly appreciated.

Where can you share more recognition and praise?
Please leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this post, you can read more like it in our book, The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes To Being the Leader You Want To Be, available on Amazon.

If you want to be challenged to share more recognition and praise, contact Robyn at rmcleod@chatsworthconsulting.com.

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