Appreciation vs. Recognition. Subtly different. Equally important.
How do you like to be appreciated?
When is the last time you actually thought about that question? When is the last time you considered how someone else might like to be appreciated?
Notice I’m asking about appreciation rather than recognition. It’s subtle but different. How?
Appreciation is about WHO someone IS.
Recognition is about WHAT they have DONE.
Both are based in gratitude, but appreciation is grounded in the person and their human value. On a deep level, it provides something we all crave: validation.
In the corporate working world, we shout about recognition from the rooftops. Companies host awards ceremonies, hand out certificates, hang celebratory banners, and even publicly advertise their recognition activities. These are designed to provide quick hit, tangible morale boosts based on metrics and deliverables. And they ARE necessary.
However, we rarely discuss how to express appreciation. Why not? I’m told it feels too “soft” or intangible. It’s tough to quantify and there is concern about subjectivity, exclusion, or just a general lack of knowledge about what to do, and how to do it.
Good news! There are resources out there. I’ll share one below I highly recommend that I used with my own teams. This tool became foundational to how we communicated and cared for each other as a team.
For those familiar with the much-discussed book “The 5 Love Languages” you might be surprised to learn there is a related “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.” The book itself it quite brief, but it includes a short survey where people can assess HOW they like to be appreciated.
I want to emphasize that point. The survey allows people to assess and express how they, as an individual, like to be appreciated.
This is important because it opens our eyes to the simple fact that people are unique individuals. For some, a thank you note is deeply meaningful. For others, extra one-on-one time with you might be more valuable. Still others might value a “shout out” in a team email or newsletter.
Yes, it takes a little extra time. And thought. And care. But I will share this tiny personal story to highlight its importance. I personally value appreciation being shown via “words of affirmation.” To that end, I find handwritten notes extremely meaningful. One of my former leaders realized this about me, so sporadically, throughout the year, she would write me a short, personal note. They would land on my desk or inbox, and a smile would instantly pop onto my face. Fun fact. I kept them all. (Confession: I still have them!)
So, yes it takes time. But even 15 years later I remember her as one of the most connected, authentic leaders I had the privilege to work for, learn from, and consider a mentor. It was a joy to go the extra mile for her.
How can you show someone you appreciate them today?
