Showing Appreciation - Training Activity

Helping people gain insight into the importance of being appreciative and showing appreciation can benefit both the employee and the organization. Here are just a few examples:

  • When you appreciate what you have, instead of dwelling on what you don't have, you stay in a more positive frame of mind.  RESULT: You tend to be happier and others want to be around you.
  • When you take the time to thank someone for doing a good job, they are likely to perform at the same level -- or do even better.  RESULT:  Higher level of performance
  • In workplaces where people show appreciation to one another, there are fewer situations where people feel taken for granted.  RESULT: Less dissatisfaction and resentment.
  • Being appreciative of others (and what they contribute to the organization) is a sign of respect.  RESULT: A more respectful workplace overall.

This training activity helps employees identify those they rely on to successfully produce results, and how they can say "thanks".

Showing Appreciation Activity

Introduce the activity by discussing the importance of being appreciative and how it can make a positive impact on job satisfaction, relationships with others and the overall work environment. This information can be delivered via lecture or discussed through group interaction. (The four points listed above are among the things you should cover.)

Have group members think about a time when someone went out of their way to show them appreciation. How did it make them feel? How did they react? If time allows, have participants share their answers with the group.

Next, have group members think about what/who they should be grateful for (in the context of their job) and how they could show it. Pass out a worksheet containing the following example. Download the PDF for the reproducible worksheet. 

Optional Follow-Up:  Reassemble the group after they’ve had time to complete the actions they’ve identified. Ask them to share: What reactions did they receive? How did showing appreciation to others make them feel?