Principal’s Connection                                                                                    November 26, 2007

                                                                      Gratitude

Upon accepting an award, Jack Benny once remarked, “I really don’t deserve this. But I have arthritis and I don’t deserve that either.”

Wouldn’t it be great if appreciation would become as natural to give as undesirable life experiences were to contract? Yet how many times do small, seemingly insignificant actions go unnoticed? The doers of such tasks feel they would be better off getting attention in unacceptable ways.

Consider the employee who comes in late one morning only to be greeted by his supervisor who says, “Sam, you’re late!”

Sam goes about his duties thinking, “So that’s what I need to do to get noticed. Day in and day out I do my job, without anyone paying any attention. Come in late and, finally, they know I’m working here.”

People want to believe their efforts deserve praise and they are willing to go to great lengths to receive it. Yet, expressing appreciation is one of the most neglected acts in relationships. When you observe people doing good things, let them know you recognized it. How? Glad you asked. Here are some simple phrases that will help you praise people, family members, your children, co-workers, etc. and encourage them to repeat their positive behavior:

• “I appreciate the way you…”
• “I’m impressed with…”
• “You’re terrific because…”
• “Thanks for going all out when you…”
• “One of the things I enjoy most about you is…”
• “I admire your…”
• “Great job with…”
• “I really enjoy working with you because…”
• “Our team couldn’t be successful without your…”
• “Thank you for your…”
• “You made my day when…”
• “You can be proud of your …”
• “You did an outstanding job of…”
• “It’s evident you have the ability to…”
• “I like your …”
• “You deserve a pat on the back for…”
• “You should be proud of yourself for…”
• “You’re really good at…”
• “It’s evident you have a special knack for …”
• “What a great idea!’
• “I enjoy being with you because you …”
• “You’re doing a top-notch job of…”
• “It’s fun watching you …”
• “I know you can do it!”
• “I believe in you!’
• “Your commitment to _____________ is appreciated!”

The power of positive praise is limited only by its lack of use. How many people do you know who could benefit from a sincere “congratulations” or “great job” or possibly even “You’re the best”? Silent appreciation doesn’t mean much. Let others know you value them. They’ll live up to your expectations.

Samuel Goldwyn said, “When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy.” This sample list of phrases can be used to applaud people. Use them frequently. Find additional ways to praise and increase people’s good feelings about themselves. You will be happy you did. They will be so wonderfully thankful!

                                                                   ~Dr. Falkner

Please, if you have read this ‘Connections’ on the web site, send in a simple note with your child(ren)’s names on it or email the administrator, on the Home Page. I will share some appreciation with them as we try more and more ways to build our means of communications at Concordia.