Last week I got a taxi from the Morchit BTS Terminal. It wasn’t easy. Five taxis stopped but none wanted to take me to Rangsit. The sixth taxi stopped and it really did elevate my spirit and brought delight. So with this happy mood, I took my front seat and with broad smile on my face, I looked at the taxi driver and expressed my happiness and appreciated his kindness to stop and pick me up.
He looked at me with surprise and said he was just doing his duty. I asked him then that if other passengers have appreciated him. He said no. So I asked him when was the last time he received an appreciation. He couldn’t recall. I was surprised when he said no need for appreciation because when you feel good, people take advantage of the situation and only bad things happen.
In reflecting upon what happens in a business context, I can recall when associates have confided how deprived they feel when good work and deeds are never appreciated and on the other hand criticism comes ever so quickly for one small error. Even leaders have expressed how they are seldom appreciated for the good they do for their organization in terms of profitable performance.
Todays leadership need to catch up upon the softer side of leading people – giving honest and sincere appreciation – make people feel important – to honestly see things from the other persons point of view – motivate others with kind words – by doing this, leaders lead rather then drive others.
True appreciation can create an organizational culture in which appreciation and positive energy are the norms rather than the exceptions, a culture in which people feel valued for their work and help those around to do the same. Leading with appreciation creates a positive culture.
Wishing You A Happy & Successful New Year!
