Recently I read another leadership consultants social media post that said “leaders don’t seek recognition, they give recognition.” True, BUT as someone who has a deeply embedded wiring around a need to feel appreciated for my contributions and – dare I say – even recognized, I say, leaders may not seek recognition but it doesn’t mean that we don’t want it! I liked being appreciated and recognized for my contributions when I was a frontline employee and I still like it now. And yet, there always seems to be messages out there that leadership is ‘thankless’ and we should be just sucking it up and trucking along without any form of gratitude.
When I speak at leadership conferences I’ll often ask audiences who has received positive feedback from their boss this past day, week, month, year. You’d be shocked at how few hands go up. Usually less than 20% of the crowd. Well, I call bullshit on that. It’s okay if you need to feel appreciated and recognized at work as a leader. You’re not alone. If you’re not getting enough of it, become a role model of recognition and appreciation to others up and down your organization. Maybe others will follow in your appreciation wake. We all want to know that we’re making a difference.
Who’s an awesome leader you want to recognize today?
