Ways to Show Appreciation in Professional Relationships

Think about the last time someone brought up a detail you'd mentioned weeks ago, like your weekend hiking trip or your daughter's recital. That spark of recognition that makes you feel valued. New research from the University of Aberdeen reveals something we intuitively know but rarely leverage in our professional relationships: demonstrating that you remember specific details someone shared with you is just as effective at making them feel important as explicitly saying "Your thoughts matter." We have this powerful relationship tool right at our fingertips which we use with ease in our personal connections, yet we often forget to use it professionally. When we reference past conversations, we're saying "what you shared mattered enough for me to remember"—and that message resonates deeply. Here are seven moments when flexing your memory muscle transforms professional relationships: 1. When giving constructive feedback: "Remember when you mentioned wanting to develop presentation skills after that March client meeting? Here's how this project could help..." 2. During performance reviews: "You shared six months ago that you wanted more cross-functional collaboration. I've noticed how you've actively sought those opportunities..." 3. When offering support: "I know your team was struggling with that software implementation. How did the training session go?" 4. During follow-ups: "Last time we talked, you were considering that leadership course. Did you enroll?" 5. When delegating: "This reminds me of that process improvement idea you pitched in January. Want to take the lead?" 6. During check-ins: "How's your son's soccer season? Last time they were heading into playoffs." 7. When introducing colleagues: "Sarah, meet Tom. He shares your passion for making sourdough!" But what if your memory feels like Swiss cheese? (Asking for myself at 53!) The good news is you don't need perfect recall. Try jotting down a quick note after meaningful conversations in your phone, calendar, or CRM. Even a simple "mentioned daughter's graduation" can transform your next interaction. The effort to remember matters as much as the remembering itself. Here are the key takeaways: *Memory displays equal explicit value statements in making people feel appreciated *We underuse this strategy professionally while using it naturally in personal contexts *Small remembered details create big emotional connections *Perfect memory isn't required (phew!); notes and systems work just as well Your memory (with a little help) might just be your most underused relationship-building superpower. #relationships #coaching #leadership

A Lesson from a Birthday Voicemail: The Power of Authentic Connection in Sales Recently, I experienced a moment of pure joy and authenticity, one that resonates deeply with me a sales professional. On my birthday, a couple weeks ago, among the chorus of off-key family renditions in my voicemail, I received an unexpected message from a colleague, Precious L. Williams "Killer Pitch Master". She didn’t just wish me a happy birthday; she sang it! Precious, an outstanding speaker known for her insights into pitching and sales, exhibited a fearless, genuine spirit. This small, personal act encapsulated why she is so successful: she understands the importance of truly “SEEING” people. In an era where AI tools craft our emails and streamline client interactions, it's crucial we don’t lose the human touch. As sales professionals, our challenge is to genuinely connect with our clients, to see them not just as leads, but as individuals with unique values, missions, and stories. Here are three actionable ways to make our clients feel seen and valued: 1️⃣ Personalize Your Approach: Before hitting send on any email or LinkedIn message, take a moment to personalize it. Refer to a recent post or article they’ve written or acknowledge a career milestone. This shows you’ve done your homework and value their contributions. 2️⃣ Celebrate Their Successes: If your client achieves something noteworthy, be it professional or personal, acknowledge it. A simple congratulatory message can go a long way in building a stronger, more personal relationship. 3️⃣ Take a Risk with Creativity: Don’t shy away from doing something out of the ordinary. It could be as simple as sending a handwritten note or sharing a relevant article or book. These small, creative gestures can make a big impact in a digital world. Incorporating these tactics isn’t just about improving sales; it’s about building genuine, empathetic connections. As sales professionals, let’s strive to be more like Precious – fearless, authentic, and always ready to truly see the person behind the client. #SalesStrategy #Sales #AuthenticConnections #PersonalTouch #SalesSuccess

Happy Employee Appreciation Week (EAW for short)! At Chase, we know that appreciation is more than just a yearly event—it’s a daily commitment. It means acknowledging the small, often unnoticed efforts that contribute to our success and expressing gratitude for the hard work that might not always be visible but is crucial to our achievements. In our fast-paced environment, recognition is essential. It fuels motivation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. As we kick off EAW this year, I want to highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing our incredible team members every day and share how I show appreciation – emojis and exclamation marks (and the occasional BOOM)! I love getting updates on achievements via email and use it as an opportunity to quickly thank our team and celebrate their success. Our jobs are hard! We’re breaking down big, complex challenges, at incredible scale and a positive and upbeat attitude supports and inspires people. I bring that to every interaction I have – particularly those that are in the thick of this work – as I know it inspires me when I experience the same. Here are some ways I do that: 1. Be Timely and Specific: Recognize achievements as they happen. Specific feedback is more impactful than generic praise (e.g., “You’re doing a great job” vs. sharing specifically what is great about the work that’s being done). 2. Personalize Your Approach: Understand what forms of recognition resonate with each team member. Tailor your appreciation to their preferences. Some folks prefer to be recognized privately vs. sharing praise in a big group setting and vice versa. I’ve also found some folks appreciate a written thank you more than saying it in a meeting. 3. Encourage Peer Recognition and Lead by Example: Foster a culture where colleagues appreciate and recognize each other by doing it yourself. Celebrate other peoples’ wins. Peer recognition can be incredibly powerful (and it helps boost morale and motivation, too). On that note, thank you to all my amazing Chase (and JPMorganChase) colleagues for your hard work, dedication, and passion. You inspire me every day, and I am grateful for everything you do. Let’s celebrate you this week and every week! 🎉 #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #Gratitude #Recognition

Ever felt invisible at work? As we begin another work week, let's remember the power of making others feel valued. Acknowledging a colleague's effort, genuinely listening, and showing appreciation can transform someone's day. As I reflect on my career, the best experiences have been when I have felt valued, heard, appreciated, included, and welcomed. Here are a few ways we can make others feel special: ✅ Personalized Praise: Recognize individual contributions in team meetings. ✅ Active Listening: Give your full attention in conversations. ✅ Small Gestures: A simple thank you note or an unexpected coffee can go a long way. How will you make someone feel special this week? #HeartLeader #Motivation #Management #Careers #PersonalDevelopment #Culture #WhatInspiresMe #BestAdvice