Editor’s Note: A new book highlighting the success stories of some of today’s leading female aftermarket professionals will be unveiled next week at AAPEX. The book, “A Woman’s Perspective on Leading” is an essay anthology created by Dr. John A. Passante and features essays from more than 20 pioneering women in the automotive aftermarket. Showcasing a wide range of female leaders, the book captures their diverse and inspirational stories, illustrating their trajectories in the industry and their advice for other women who aspire to become aftermarket leaders as well. The book will be unveiled at the Women’s Board AAPEX reception, taking place from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 in rooms 307-310 in the Sands Expo. Car Care Council staff will be on-hand at the event to make the book available for donation by cash, check or credit card. (Receipts will be provided.) Dr. Passante also will be in attendance to sign the book for attendees.

 

As homeowners, I am quite confident that from time to time, we have all checked to see how much our homes have appreciated. Perhaps we check online to determine the prices of comparable homes in our neighborhood. And we check the home section in the Sunday newspaper. After all, it is the most significant investment financially and emotionally most of us will make in life. And with this, appreciation takes a two-fold meaning!

Appreciation is an interesting word with regard to our homes; it implies quality and value. On a personal basis, it means to admire, respect and to hold someone in high regard. As a leader, appreciation requires the willingness and capacity to view others through the lens of appreciation and to consciously recognize the people you appreciate in a genuine way.

When used with an object, appreciate is a verb. As in, appreciating something to be grateful or thankful for. To me, appreciation is a way of looking for and seeing the best in people.

“Gratitude [appreciation] is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” – Cicero Pro Plancio 54 BC

Appreciation is saying yes to the goodness of life. Research shows that employees who are appreciated are more committed to their jobs, more productive and less likely to leave. Showing sincere and genuine appreciation inspires the best in people. It is not just “a nice thing to do.” In my professional opinion it is a must!

Appreciation is indeed an action! Is it time for all of us to get to the verb. Which begs the question: Why don’t we show more appreciation?

As leaders, we tend to be preoccupied with a focus on improving the financial bottom line and meeting our quarterly numbers, to the exclusion of everything else. We can all relate to this!

A 2013 Gallop poll study found a stunning 70 percent of employees hate their jobs. In most cases, because of their “boss.”

Fifty two percent stated they were disengaged from their jobs, costing companies billions of dollars. I believe that most people seek to love their work and to respect the people for whom they work. We all treasure the opportunity to utilize our talents, to be challenged, to be professionally involved and to be appreciated.

 

It all starts with caring. The facts are, appreciation is a morale-booster, which influences how customers are treated and increases productivity and lowers turnover.

 

On a personal basis, think about how you feel when you work long hours on a project, perform at a high level and your contribution is ignored. Appreciation costs nothing, but it does require thought, care and attention.

 

Caring enough to notice the achievements, making the time to show that you care and find creative ways to show employees that you do indeed care! Strive to make it a way of life. Positive feedback encourages all of us to contribute more. True appreciation has a huge effect. It appears to be a small thing, but in reality is a big thing.

 

How many of the employees in your organization go unnoticed? Think about how this must make them feel. Find ways to publicly acknowledge individual contributions.

 

Appreciation requires action! Start today! Get to the verb!

 

Do you want to see ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things? Show appreciation for what they accomplish, acknowledge their challenges and recognize their value.

 

The power of appreciation begins when we understand the importance of our actions and words. Appreciation creates an energizing workplace. A toxic work environment drains productivity and drives customers away. It is something most of us can relate to.

 

The truth is, no one wants to work for an ungrateful leader (boss.) Appreciation must be authentic and specific – and tailored to the individual. Get to know your employees. Look for opportunities to express and share your appreciation. It is the key to a vibrant life and organization.

 

Mark Twain once said: “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”

 

Start today to express your appreciation:

• Give others your ear. Listen more, Talk less.
• Give specific appreciation.
• Open your eyes. Look for opportunities to show appreciation.
• Display trust. Showing your employees that you trust them is a huge compliment.
• Share positive comments you receive from customers.
• Appreciation encourages repeat performances.

 

Remember, if you go the extra mile for others, they will return the favor. Your employees and customers will be happier. Your sincere attention to the magic of appreciation will reflect in the bottom line.

 

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -John F. Kennedy