Show your appreciation!

By Barbara Casaly, January 11, 2022

During this time of isolation and virtual gatherings with little or no informal in-person connections, we need to be even more intentional in showing our appreciation.

Have you read an inspiring article in the First Parish newsletter? Did the article give you a new perspective, a smile, something valuable to do as you isolate? Did the author clearly spend time putting the article together? Did the author request feedback?

What about the people who work on Sunday mornings to be part of the service – words of wisdom, beautiful music, hosting on Zoom, recording the service, inspiring our children, and on and on? We know how dedicated these staff and congregation members are, but do we let them know?

What about general participation in the life of the congregation – at meetings or just showing up when needed? If you look at names in the directory, you can likely think of one or more or many ways that people give of their time and talents to keep First Parish running and to provide for our congregation.

Those are just a few examples of participation that needs recognition and a “thank you.”

I “googled” ways to show appreciation and found this web page: https://trainingindustry.com/articles/performance-management/five-keys-to-effectively-communicating-appreciation/

Yup, it has to do with workplace environments, but it can apply to First Parish. Here are the five suggestions for how to show appreciation and some ideas about how these apply to us:

1. Make sure praise is specific and personal.
   Tell them specifically what they do that makes First Parish better and/or your role easier.
2. Realize that other types of actions can be more impactful than words for many people.
   A thank-you note, email, or other gesture of kindness will mean a lot.
3. Use the language of appreciation valued by the recipient.
   Find out what they value and communicate using that language or action.
4. Separate affirmation from constructive criticism or instruction.
   Don’t give a compliment and then give constructive criticism or tell them how they can do better. They may not hear the compliment.
5. Be genuine.
   Negative and cynical environments can be improved. Good things happen when individuals feel truly valued and appreciated.