How Showing Appreciation to Staff Helps Change Go More Smoothly

Change Management and the Importance of Appreciation.

Dr. Paul White, co-author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace; talks about change management and the importance of appreciation. 

Appreciation has been shown to be a key factor in change management, because appreciation builds trust, which leads to easier change. This also creates other positive results—more effective teamwork with colleagues, less conflict, better relationships with supervisors, and it allows people to enjoy their work more.

Our experience has shown that true, significant change does occur in workplaces when the right people (which could mean anyone, regardless of position) implement the right actions (that is, authentic actions) at the right time (when people choose to and have the desire to engage in the process). Then the benefits of people feeling truly valued for their contributions to the practice will be seen – positive interactions, less conflict and improved results toward your organization’s goals.

Fortunately, there are practical steps that can be taken to create a more positive work environment. Learning how to communicate authentic appreciation to colleagues (rather than “go through the motions” employee recognition) can make a huge difference – as attested by our clients (Microsoft, Miller Coors, Million Dollar Round Table, numerous hospitals and over 200 colleges). Dr. White is a psychologist, author, speaker, and consultant who makes relationships work. Dr. White is coauthor of the book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, written with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the #1 NY Times best seller, The 5 Love Languages. Dr. White and Dr. Chapman have developed a unique way for organizations to motivate employees that lead to increased job satisfaction, higher employee performance, and enhanced levels of trust.