Mackay: Appreciation is the key to worker engagement

A young man was applying for a job at a big company. During the interview, the hiring manager asked if the candidate's father had paid for his education.

The young man said that his father had passed away when he was young. He added that his mother took in laundry to pay for his schooling. He offered to help her, but his mother always told him to concentrate on his studies.

The hiring manager asked the candidate to do him a favor and go home and wash his mother's hands and come back to see him in the morning.

The young man was confused but wanted the job, so he did as he was told. It was the first time he noticed how wrinkled and bruised his mother's hands were. He realized this was the price his mother paid for his education and future.

The next morning, he returned to the hiring manager, who inquired, "Did you do as I asked, and what did you learn?"

The young man nodded and said, "I learned appreciation. Without my mother, I wouldn't be where I am today. I also learned the importance and value of family relationships."

The manager said, "This is what I'm looking for — someone who can appreciate the help of others and who doesn't think money is the only goal in life. You're hired."

Gallup recently reported that only 15% of employees in the United States are truly engaged in their workplace. Yet nearly 70% of employees say they would work harder if they felt more appreciated.

Successful leaders across many fields have plenty to say about the importance of showing appreciation.

Motivational speaker and author Tony Robbins said, "Trade your expectations for appreciation, and the world changes instantly."

Legendary college basketball coach John Wooden said: "It is quite possible that the most abused, overused or misused word in our language is the simple word 'thanks.' However, when sincerely used, I know of no word that can more adequately express one's feeling of appreciation than 'thanks.'"

Appreciation should be an everyday occurrence, not an event limited to a special week or event. A plaque on the wall means nothing without ongoing support.

Appreciation also increases efficiency. Appreciated employees work harder, which impacts results. Relationships are strengthened. Respect is heightened.

Words of appreciation not only boost the performances of team members or colleagues but also rejuvenate close relationships. A thank-you message for a particular work or effort is an excellent method to develop long-lasting mutual respect.

A young woman experiencing a lack of appreciation decided to do something special for her 13th wedding anniversary. She called a florist and ordered 13 long-stemmed roses that arrived with a card that read, "I love you!" It was signed by her husband, Bill.

Bill was curious who would send his wife flowers and sign his name. Twenty days later, the mystery was solved when his credit card bill arrived.

Let's hope he remembered that lesson in time for their 14th anniversary.