Expressing the Value of a Human Being.
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it all into words is all that is necessary.” Margaret Cousins
Have you ever experienced the effect that appreciation has on someone? Maybe you were on the receiving end? Maybe you were the one giving the appreciation. No matter which side you were on, it instantly lightened the room.
Appreciation has a profound effect. One that is deeper than just the act. This week I had a training with a group of leaders. During the training, we paused on the topic of listening. One question we asked was, “What does listening communicate to a person?” The group concluded that listening is an act of appreciation and respect. When we actively listen to others, we are communicating indirectly that their opinion matters. Deeper still, we acknowledge the true value of the person. In fact, listening is to humanize a person.
The opposite is therefore also true: when we do not listen, we de-humanize a person. Steven Covey comments that “most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply.” When we listen to reply we are not valuing the other person, we are focused on ourselves.
I know that saying we de-humanize a person might sound harsh, but let us be honest, not just about the action but also about the intention behind the action.
Every human being has some basic rights. These include:
- They should be treated with respect.
- To ask questions.
- To make their own decisions.
- To say no
- To express their feelings
- To change their opinion
The topic of empathy and appreciation has gained popularity after COVID. It makes sense because, in an online world, the human touch has lost its proper place. While, appreciation can be expressed in many forms, it is the specific words that count. I love the quote from Margaret Cousins. While we can have the intent of appreciation, the act of putting it into specific words is where it gains prominence. Words are the means by which we clarify and illuminate the unique beauty we see in others.
Often, we appreciate others in ways we would like to be appreciated. Let’s change the focus. Put yourself in the shoes of those around you. Let me ask you; How do you think others would like to be appreciated?
As you continue to grow in this competence, take time to observe the people who you want to appreciate. Take time to design your approach to appreciation. This in itself will become an act of appreciation.
I wish you all the best as you continue to express the unique value and beauty of those you interact with in life.
This blog was written by Cias Ferreira.
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