What does applause mean? How much can a simple gesture of appreciation affect?
Watching the Olympics is fascinating, not only for the different events, but for the different cultures. It always intrigues me to see other country’s and how the display their disagreements with what is going on down in the athletic arena. Of course American’s boo, but Europeans Whistle. Some countries just hail profanities down on the arena, and that is what is accepted. But there is one common way to show appreciation. Applause.
It is always funny to me to watch people applaud at a loud concert. All these screaming crazy fans who are there to have a good time. Does the band hear it? Probably not. But do they see it? Well if the lighting is right they do.
But is the sound the important part of applause? Watch the video. Is the noise of clapping making the difference. Watch it with the sound turned up. Is there a feeling involved? Absolutely.
Applause is really the ultimate form of appreciation. It is a feeling, a sound, a gesture. During a big game the applause gives me goose bumps when I am down on the field coaching. Our fans always seem to sit behind us so I don’t get to see it. I rarely hear it, but I do feel it. I know what is going on.
How do we show this gesture to people day to day in business. What if you are a cubicle dweller and your boss comes out and begins to applaud you? You would probably think he is crazy. But what if he followed that up with an appreciation. A comment on how you are all doing such a great job and how proud he or she is to have you working for him? How far would that go?
What if you are the boss? What if you stood at the doorway on a random day and applauded for every person who entered that door? What if you thanked them for coming to work? What if you thanked them for the work they have done and told them that you appreciate them for showing up? How much work do you think that they would give you that day?
A small gesture of appreciation will go a long way. It is up to you if you want to be a leader to show this, and to give small gestures not on a random day, but as many times as you can find a good reason for. Be the big person. Admit when someone has done a good job. Tell them that they have done so. Your reward will be greater than the small gesture that you give.
People are funny. They will try so hard, and work harder than they have ever worked before just for a small token.
How many ways can you show your appreciation?
Conceive It, Believe It, Achieve It
Coach Kip
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