DO YOU FEEL APPRECIATED AT WORK?

A few days ago one of my clients, a senior architect, told me how she went out for lunch with an old team leader. This was a leader from a company that she worked for several years past. She was told that the rise in her career was to be applauded and and that he was proud of her efforts and of having worked with her. My client positively glowed telling me this and the unexpected support boosted her confidence in taking bigger bolder steps in progressing her career even further.  

This is what I have noticed. When you experience good leadership, the support and the appreciation of your skills often last beyond the present role. It lasts well into the future. 

I read a leadership article yesterday morning on LinkedIn and one of the stats that stood out was this: 70% of employees don't feel appreciated or valued by their employer. Is that you? When was the last time your team leader, or an associate or director or even your fellow team members took the time to say 'great work' or 'what do you need to make the most of this role?' and 'how can I help you achieve the next steps in your career?'. In my experience and from what I hear from my clients, appreciation is underrated and understated in the architectural office. 

An important part of being a leader is about being able to articulate appreciation openly (at the team meeting and at the desk-side) with sincerity and integrity. As a leader, your time with an employee may be minimal over the course of their career, but your impact could last either positively (or negatively) for far longer. My coaching with leaders often involves looking at appreciation. Not only downwards but sideways too. After all, the higher you rise in the firm, the less appreciated you may feel! Bringing appreciation back into the conversation takes some sustained effort and commitment but the reward is great. You've heard the saying “Employees don’t quit working for companies, they quit working for their bosses.” Employees who feel appreciated and valued are less likely to leave and are higher engaged. How do you show appreciation and who do you receive it from?

Contact Karen today to find out how coaching can accelerate your leadership capabilities.