Feedback & Appreciation

Yesterday at District leader training, I led a well-received session on feedback and appreciation.  I encouraged those present to look for ways to provide appropriate feedback and show appreciation for others in their lives.  When it was done, I felt good about the message I had conveyed, and then realized I could benefit from reflecting on this message myself!

While I do show appreciation to others at times, I can always do more.  Beyond a quick message to tell someone thank-you, I can talk them up around their peers or boss - if that is something they would appreciate.  And how can I know if they would want that more public praise?  Probably simply by asking, "Is it okay if I tell your boss about how you just helped me?"  Or in the case of Toastmasters, "Is it okay if I share what you did with the club?"

Even if the appreciation stays private, I can find ways to make it more meaningful.  My workplace has a "Quick Thanks" system that I have used before and can leverage more frequently.  Toastmasters has a way through Pathways to send feedback and award "badges" for positive accomplishments of fellow members.  There are also ribbons we can award to recognize Toastmasters achievements - and I intend to purchase some of those ribbons for a couple of my clubs!

Appreciation is not just something I should remind others to show.  Appreciation is something I can remind myself to show as well!

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