On Being Appreciated
In Education we’re well aware of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Being loved by others and having a good self-esteem is key for our wellbeing. So when others demonstrate their appreciation for us, it’s like a big hug!
Many of us find it hard to talk about our feelings. We don’t ‘big ourselves up’, yet we can often recognise the good in others – and thank them for it.
Every now and then I drop an Appreciation Card on a colleague’s desk or in their Pigeonhole – sometimes anonymously (but I guess they know my handwriting by now!).
It’s my way of saying:
- “I notice you do that thing“
- “I spotted you reaching out“
- “I’m grateful for your kind attention“
Yet when it comes back, it’s often a surprise.
My intention is never to seek praise, but to give. My focus is not to prompt “me too”, but to say “I do”.
We recently had a staff meeting. This one was unusual – no agenda, just pizza and staff recognitions which was unusual itself. But even more so as out of 20 or so staff, I received 3 recognitions from my colleagues.
It’s often hard to know how to take praise. I was taught to gloss over such showy stuff so as not to get big headed!
“Keep your head down Geraldine and work hard for the love if it” was my Father’s way of things. So I found it hard to take as those around me murmured their agreement as the comments were read out. My Manager too said ”Yes, I know I don’t appreciate you enough G.”
Now some might take this as an end stop. OK so I’ve got ‘there’, but if you’re strong on EQ as I am, then I always want to maintain and build on the behaviours that prompted these responses from my peers.
The brief staff attention was appreciated, but my motive in supporting others is also self-directed to. As I show them I appreciate them, I’ve come to feel they’re there for me too. And that’s huge in our pressure environment.
So, thank you colleagues for your recognition and appreciation. Long may we have each others’ backs.
And to my fellow Exam Officers – I appreciate you too – I know how hard we all work, and we deserve any appreciation, wherever it comes from.
Love and Light,
Geraldine