Give Credit and Show Appreciation with Gusto

In recent years, there has been a lot of focus on how one can promote oneself on the job. We have been encouraged to learn how to "market" ourselves and to make sure that everyone knows what we are capable of. It is no longer considered bad form to announce what we have done, we have become expected to do it. Meanwhile, the art of letting others know that we appreciate their work has fallen by the wayside. It can be just as important to learn how to say "thanks" and to give credit where it is due and show appreciation as it is to make sure that our efforts are noticed.

The very definition of teamwork means that we share the work and the accolades with our team members. Whether you are a supervisor or a member of a "team" or department, learning how to happily give and share credit and happily show your appreciation can be very valuable job skills. People want to work with people that they can trust and those whom they know are focused on the shared goals. If you put all your energy into making sure that you get credit and that everyone knows what you have been up to, you will not be paying attention to your fellow team members.

Learn how to say "thank you" and "good job" with sincerity in the moment. It means a great deal to have someone acknowledge your efforts and extend vocal appreciation. It is also a good idea to find other ways to share and show credit and appreciation such as notes, notices in the company newsletter or other publication, or even arranging to give accolades at a meeting or other event. Of course, your appreciation should be sincere and appropriate. Going over the top or making a big fuss over something that is not a big deal can do more damage than good (both for your reputation and trustworthiness and for the morale of the work team.)

When we think of job skills, we generally think of the things that we can do solo, but learning how to share and give credit for others' work and ideas and to offer up heartfelt appreciation are important things to bring to the table too.