Influence

The Value of Showing Appreciation

Competency: Agility
Attribute: Encouraging
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    Introduction

    Benefits of Non-Verbal Gratitude

    The benefits of expressing appreciation without words include:

    • Strengthened Relationships:
      Actions that show gratitude can enhance connections by making the other person feel truly seen and valued.

    • Lasting Impact:
      A non-verbal gesture often lingers longer in someone's memory, as it is tied to effort and thoughtfulness.

    • Enhanced Emotional Bonds:
      Showing appreciation through actions can create a sense of emotional closeness and mutual respect.

    • Creating a Positive Environment:
      Demonstrating gratitude in creative ways fosters an atmosphere of kindness and goodwill, encouraging others to pay it forward.

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    Self-Paced Coaching Questions

    Explore How You Show Gratitude

    Consider these questions:

    • When was the last time someone did something for you that left a lasting impression? What was it, and how did it make you feel?
    • Do you tend to rely on verbal acknowledgments when showing appreciation or have you tried other methods? How did these non-verbal gestures affect your relationship?
    • What kind of non-verbal appreciation would make you feel valued? How can you incorporate similar gestures into your own expressions of gratitude?

    These questions encourage deep introspection and can help you become more mindful of the ways you show gratitude.

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    Strategies

    Showing Appreciation Beyond Words

    • Thoughtful Gestures That Speak Volumes: Sometimes, the smallest actions carry the greatest meaning. A thoughtful gesture might include preparing someone’s favorite meal after they’ve had a long day or simply leaving a handwritten note in an unexpected place to brighten their morning. These gestures convey that you’ve taken the time to consider what would make the other person feel good. 

    • Gratitude is a universal language, but it doesn’t always require words. By incorporating thoughtful gestures, personalized gifts and acts of service, you can communicate appreciation in creative ways. When we take the time to show appreciation beyond words, we develop stronger relationships. How can you start integrating these non-verbal methods into your interactions today?

    • Personalized Gifts with Meaning: Giving a personalized gift can be one of the most powerful ways to show appreciation. It demonstrates that you’ve not only recognized someone’s effort or contribution but have also put in thought and care to choose something meaningful just for them. This could be a handcrafted item, a keepsake with personal significance or even an experience they’ve been longing for. The key is to ensure the gift reflects their unique interests or preferences, showing that you’ve truly thought about them.

    • Acts of Service:
      Offering to help or take over a task when someone is overwhelmed can be a silent but powerful way of showing appreciation. Acts of service demonstrate not only that you’ve noticed their efforts but that you are willing to step in and lend a hand. Whether it’s running an errand for a busy friend, helping out with chores or simply offering a shoulder to lean on, acts of service often have a profound impact.

    Gratitude is a universal language, but it doesn’t always require words. By incorporating thoughtful gestures, personalized gifts and acts of service, you can communicate appreciation in creative ways. When we take the time to show appreciation beyond words, we develop stronger relationships. How can you start integrating these non-verbal methods into your interactions today?

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    Bibliography

    This article has been inspired by the following sources: 

    • Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
    • Algoe, S. B. (2012). Find, remind, and bind: The functions of gratitude in everyday relationships. Social and Personality Psychology Compass
    • Gordon, A. M., Impett, E. A., Kogan, A., Oveis, C., & Keltner, D. (2012). To have and to hold: Gratitude promotes relationship maintenance in intimate bonds. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
    • Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London