Emotional Intelligence and the Science of Appreciation

According to a study from Harvard Medical School, there is a science behind appreciation. When appreciation is displayed and communicated, people rise in three areas:
1. Feeling valued
2. Strengthening emotional connections
3. Personal loyalty

According to researcher, Tom Rath at the Gallup the number one reason people quit their jobs is due to lack of appreciation.

One of my CEO coaching clients keeps a stack of cards on his desk and on the top of the stack is three letters, WDL (Well Done Leader). He hand writes short, weekly notes of appreciation to team members every time he notices someone doing something that merits recognition and leadership. His Executive Assistant told me his team keeps the notes on their desk for months!

Not surprising feedback from his team was, “Appreciation and expressing positive feedback is his #1 strength in leadership, next to providing clarity of vision.”

Your Impact on Others:

  • Do you build people up or tear them down?
  • Do you encourage your people and recognize a job “WDL” (Well Done Leader)?
  • Do you show it with more than words?
It’s not just a soft-skill— A small act of recognition and appreciation goes a long way. Think about it like this, an insignificant, small act will have a significant, big outcome.

The lesson: It’s important to let people know there is someone who believes in them so much that he or she will not let them be less than they can be.

Why did I write this post? I received a handwritten thank you note this week. It’s proudly displayed on our kitchen island and I’ve read it about 25 times. I feel valued, strengthened in my emotional connection, and loyal to the person who sent it.

Why not go on Amazon right now and order your card of appreciation? Start becoming known for your own WDL and handwritten notes of appreciation.

By the way, I appreciate YOU!
— Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)

“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.

A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.