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"When I stop (looking for excellence in others), things always suck."

It's been a month since I set out my challenge to make acknowledgement and appreciation a common occurrence on your projects and in your organizations, Try this with Me: Acknowledge and Appreciate. I'll get to my experience with it in a moment. But first, just posted on FC Now, Doug Sundheim reminds us to Look for Excellence in Others.

So how did I do? I made it a point to be unconditionally constructive on all my weblog postings. It's not easy. It's never been easy for me. People say (and write) crazy things. At least that is often my first reaction. When I started my blogging over three years ago I wanted to interrupt this automatic way I engaged with ideas and people. For the most part, I am satisfied with the progress I've made. This last month however gave me the opportunity to pay closer attention.

My results weren't as good in my everyday conversations and working. I started by making a tally of the instances I acknowledged others. There were too many days when that didn't have a tally. It was easier at home than it was on the phone with my clients and colleagues. I noticed I was more likely to do it when I was physically present with others. I also noticed that when I saw the yellow sticky reminder I had in my notebook I was more likely to acknowledge others.

The Gallup Organization's research showed that one way high performing organizations are characterized is by the frequency of acknowledgement and appreciation that occurs — at least once every 7 days for each person in the organization. It hasn't been my habit. Nor was I mindful enough to produce a new habit. However, I can see why it is so important. I noticed the encouragement and appreciation of me during the last month. That alone can bring me back to my writing and engage me more in my work with clients. It's time for me to redouble my efforts. I've got a new yellow sticky along with a daily reminder in my calendar. How about you?