Showing Appreciation: A Leadership Essential

One of the most powerful tools a leader has — and one of the easiest to overlook — is simply showing appreciation. I have been on both sides of this issue in my career. I have felt unappreciated and I have failed to show the proper appreciation.

Too often, leaders get caught up in the endless to-do lists, solving problems, and pushing for results. But at the heart of leadership isn't just what you accomplish — it's what you help others accomplish. And nothing helps people shine more than knowing they are seen, valued, and appreciated.

In fact, research proves just how transformative appreciation can be:

• Employees who feel appreciated are 81% more engaged at work. They bring more energy, focus, and creativity to their tasks.

• 75% say they are more satisfied with their job when they feel valued. Job satisfaction leads to loyalty and higher morale.

• 75% aren't even looking for another job when they feel appreciated where they are — a huge advantage in retaining your best talent.

• 75% say money becomes less important if they know their work is noticed and valued.

• And perhaps most importantly, 60% report better mental health when appreciation is part of their workplace culture.

These numbers paint a clear picture: showing appreciation isn't just "nice" — it's a leadership strategy that directly impacts performance, retention, culture, and well-being.

Your Job Is to Get the Best Out of People

At its core, leadership is about unlocking potential in others — helping them grow, perform, and feel fulfilled. When you take the time to acknowledge and appreciate someone's effort, you're doing more than making them feel good in the moment. You're building trust, loyalty, and confidence. You're creating an environment where people want to give their best — not because they have to, but because they feel inspired to.

When people feel invisible, they disengage. When they feel seen, they rise.

How to Show Appreciation: Practical, Simple Ideas

You don't need a big budget or grand gestures to make someone feel valued. In fact, it's often the smallest, most sincere actions that make the biggest impact. Here are a few ways you can start showing more appreciation today:

1️⃣ Spend Time With Them

One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is your time. Take a few minutes to stop by their workspace, ask how they're doing, listen to their challenges and wins. Be present in the conversation. Leadership by walking around — and actually engaging — builds relationships and shows people you care about them beyond their output.

2️⃣ Use Sticky Notes

It may sound simple, but leaving a handwritten sticky note that says "Great job on the presentation!" or "Thanks for staying late last night — I noticed" can mean the world to someone. It's personal, tangible, and memorable.

3️⃣ Recognize Them Publicly

Take a moment during a team meeting to call out someone's contribution in front of their peers. Public recognition not only validates the individual, but it also shows the team that appreciation is part of your culture.

4️⃣ Find Simple, Creative Ways

Bring in coffee or snacks for no reason other than to say "thank you". Send a quick text or email letting someone know you noticed their effort. Celebrate birthdays or milestones in small but thoughtful ways. Personalize your gestures — they don't have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

5️⃣ Listen and Follow Through

Sometimes, the best way to show appreciation is simply to listen — and then act on what you hear. When employees feel that their input is valued and their concerns are addressed, it reinforces their sense of importance to the team and organization.

Why It Matters

Appreciation doesn't just make people feel good — it makes them better. Employees who feel appreciated are more creative, more loyal, and more willing to go the extra mile. They take pride in their work because they know their leader notices.

And the truth is, everyone — at every level — wants to feel like what they do matters. That their efforts are making a difference. That someone sees them.

When you create a culture of appreciation, you reduce stress and anxiety in your team, improve their mental health, and foster a sense of belonging. It costs nothing — but pays back in ways you can't even measure.

Final Thoughts: Start Today

If you want to get the best out of your people, start by letting them know you notice what they're already giving.

Appreciation is a habit — and like any habit, it starts small.

✅ Grab some sticky notes.
✅ Block off a few minutes each day to check in with team members.
✅ Be intentional about noticing what's going well.

People who feel appreciated give more, stay longer, and feel better — about themselves, their team, and their leader.

Find ways — big or small — to let your team know they matter. You'll be amazed at what it does for them... and for you!

- Dean Crisp