The Overlooked Secret to Supercharging Your Team: Appreciation

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Team acknowledging success - Empowering Leadership Teams

As we reflect on the close of another year, it's natural for our minds to gravitate toward what didn’t go as planned, the lingering challenges, and the long to-do list before us. But what if there were a simple, powerful antidote to all that—one that could transform your team’s morale, engagement, and culture?

The secret ingredient? Appreciation.

Yes, something as straightforward as acknowledging your team members' contributions can have an outsized impact. In fact, appreciation is the #1 culture builder for any organization. Here’s why:

When you specifically recognize how an individual’s efforts made a difference—whether it was staying late to ensure a project launched on time or stepping in to help a teammate in need—it does more than make them feel good in the moment. It melts away any frustration or resentment they may have been carrying.

Why? Because when people feel seen and understood for the real impact they’re making, it reignites their sense of purpose and excitement for the work. Their contributions become more than just tasks to check off—they become meaningful pieces that advance the larger mission. And that buy-in is invaluable.

I’ll never forget the time a former boss of mine walked into the hotel room where my teammate and I were frantically hand-writing page numbers into our event workbooks the night before a big launch. He acknowledged the last-minute changes he had made that put us in that stressful position, apologized for the impact, and then showered us with gratitude for our dedication. In that moment, any lingering frustration evaporated. We had a whole new energy and sense of purpose to get the job done because we knew our efforts were recognized and valued.

The lesson? Appreciation is a game-changer, no matter your role or the size of your team. Even if you’re in the early stages of building a business, taking the time to reflect on and vocalize your gratitude can pay major dividends. It creates a positive feedback loop where people feel motivated to go above and beyond because they know their contributions matter.

So as this year winds down, I challenge you to make appreciation a priority. Identify one or two team members who have made an outsized impact, and craft a specific, heartfelt message letting them know how their efforts made a difference. You may be surprised by the transformative effect it has—not just on them, but on your entire culture.

Because at the end of the day, we all want to feel seen, heard, and valued for the unique gifts we bring to the table. Appreciation is the antidote to burnout, disengagement, and a lackluster team dynamic. Start now. A few words of heartfelt appreciation can unlock your organization’s true potential.

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