Appreciation

Appreciation: The Mighty Force of Leadership

One of the most important virtues of an effective leader is the ability and willingness to show appreciation. I was watching an NFL game recently and saw a well known quarterback run about 10 yards for a touchdown. Naturally his fellow players were excited and a number of them congratulated him with hugs, pounding pats on his helmet, and high fives.

But a few moments later, I saw something interesting. As the camera followed, he did not sit down for rest, reach for a water bottle, or place oxygen over his nose. Instead, he went directly to the four or five biggest guys in the offense and thanked them one-by-one. Those linemen had blocked, and protected him in the touchdown run. They faced opponents weighing 250 to 300 lbs. and pushed them out of the way for their quarterback. The crowd shouted gratitude to the well known quarterback; the commentators praised him for his leadership and running ability. But, the quarterback knew that he could never have made it to the end zone without those blockers. He knew, that if he wanted them to perform next time, he'd better not forget them in the midst of the accolades he was receiving. That quarterback is a wise and effective leader.

True leaders give credit to those who work hard but get very little thanks for what they do. No one succeeds alone. All success is a team effort. Thanking the so-called “little person” builds confidence, teamwork, loyalty, and a renewed willingness to follow leadership. And... the process also works in reverse.

People should express gratitude to leaders who help them succeed. When I started to college, I was married, had a child and was 24 years old. I needed scholarship assistance in order to pay for college expenses. I went to see the owner of a textile empire. He was wealthy beyond my wildest dreams and a very busy man. I was a little surprised that he gave me an appointment, I went in and told him that I had been called to preach and didn’t know how I could pay for college without help. He gave me a small, but very helpful, scholarship. The next year I went back and asked for the scholarship again. With kindness, in a matter of fact way, he gave me the same amount again. By the next year I was Pastor of a church, and though I wasn’t making a lot of money, I could get by financially. So, I asked for another appointment and went back to see the textile magnate. I know he was waiting for my scholarship appeal, but I didn’t ask for help. I told him that he would never know what his help had meant to me. I then presented him with a simple gift for his desk – an inexpensive trinket that he by no means needed. He looked shocked and surprised. He thanked me, shook my hand and I was gone. A few days later a lady who worked with him told me what happened after I left. This powerful, wealthy man walked out of his office, with tears in his eyes, and went from desk to desk showing everyone what I had given him. He took the card I had written and pinned it on the bulletin board in the office lounge. I learned later than it hung there for weeks. In all likelihood, this man who provided jobs, salaries and retirement to so many people, seldom if ever received a thank you from those who worked for him.

Appreciation is a mighty force. Use it. Use it honestly. Never use it for manipulation. Use it as often as it is warranted. But, whatever you do, USE IT to be a better leader, a better person, and to build a better organization.

Mike Minnix
EMA Drive Lines, January 07
(Dr. Mike Minnix is a well known Atlanta Pastor, Speaker, and Leader. Dr. Minnix is former Vice President For Evangelism for the Georgia Baptist Convention. He is also founder and director of SermonCity.com, now PastorLife.com.)