Beyond “Thanks”: Discovering the Real Impact of Appreciation

“In every person from the cradle to the grave, there is a deep craving to be appreciated” – William James

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a truly impactful High Performance Culture training organised by my company in France. The core of the program revolved around understanding how our behaviours as leaders ripple outwards, shaping the entire organisational culture. By the end of this intensive experience, each of us walked away with 3 or 4 key commitments to actively implement and integrate into our daily routines.

The top commitment on my list was simple yet deeply impactful: “Appreciate others more daily.” This struck a chord with me for a couple of reasons. First, I’ve always found it difficult to express appreciation. Even when I noticed someone doing an exceptional job, I often kept that thought to myself. Second, I hadn’t truly realised the power a few kind words can have—not just on someone’s day, but on their confidence, motivation, and overall outlook.

Appreciation doesn’t come naturally to everyone. For some, it flows easily; for others (like myself), it can feel awkward or forced at first. We might assume the other person already knows how we feel. Or we fear that too much praise could “go to their head.” Sometimes, it’s just our ego getting in the way.

However, returning from this training, I made a conscious decision to step outside my comfort zone and actively seek opportunities to appreciate people more consistently. I started paying close attention, observing the efforts and contributions of others so that I could offer genuine praise. I’ve consciously moved away from a simple “Thanks” when someone has done well, opting instead for a more elaborate “I appreciate you because…” This small shift allows me to be specific about what I value, reinforcing those positive behaviours for the long haul and has made my praise more meaningful and memorable. It also sets a positive tone fostering a more supportive and encouraging environment.

Appreciation doesn’t cost anything, but it yields incredible returns. It strengthens relationships, builds trust, and creates a culture where people feel seen and valued. And sometimes, a single sentence of recognition can turn someone’s entire day around.

If there’s one lesson I took from this training that I hope to carry with me always, it’s this: Make the world a better place—one thoughtful appreciation at a time.