“We are on this planet but once, and to spend it holding back our gushing appreciation of the things that light us up is a shameful waste.” ~ Jen Sincero
Appreciation … how do you effectively share it; both giving and receiving?
As a professional, community leader, partner, parent … holistic person, where are you on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0?
Have you ever truly believed that you appreciated someone at the time, only to realize years later, your “younger self” didn’t have the capacity to truly appreciate that person sufficiently?
An unintended result of under-appreciation is the forfeiture of opportunities, that would have profoundly changed the course of your life.
Forfeit, I’ve found, this to be a strikingly accurate term. It speaks to that which was possible; yet, was just left sitting on the table … unused, abandoned, forfeited, etc. It can be a lonely time while we think our world is turning upside-down.
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Why would we leave exceptionally positive opportunities just sitting on the table? Succinctly; an insufficient development of the necessary levels of appreciation, that are commensurate with the opportunities. Example: If we’re a 7.5 (on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0) and a 9.2 (higher than our developed talent level) opportunity presents itself, we lack the capacity to understand, pursue, etc., that opportunity. Our lack of appreciation isn’t intentional. Rather, it’s a byproduct of our under-development of the required appreciation levels needed, to actually appreciate a particular professional, person, situation, community need, etc.
Let’s take 3 leadership angles, in considering holistic appreciation for people.
1 – Holistic Appreciation from a Personal Angle – This, I believe, is the most critical vieszpoint. Why? It sets the tone for everything else that happens in our lives; professionally, personally, etc. Our Comprehensive-DMQ (Decision Making Quality) is the primary driver. As you’ll recall from previous blogs, there are 7 underlying competencies that make up Comprehensive-DMQ. The weakest of these underlying DMQ competencies will “cap” our upside potential.
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The genesis of regret is inadequate levels of appreciation while the bitter fruit from the “would have been opportunity tree” is “forfeit”.
2 – Holistic Appreciation from a Professional Angle – Do you love the people you’re leading? Yes; truly love them as professionals, people, etc. If you don’t, I believe you’re forfeiting an opportunity to develop a higher performing team. What does love and appreciation look like professionally? Succinctly; you care for them as a person first and then as a professional. Thus; you’ll help them gain better professional opportunities; regardless, if it’s inside or outside of your organization. This will go a long way toward actually improving your employee retention.
3 – Holistic Appreciation from a Community Angle – Do you genuinely appreciate that you’re able to help:
- Find shelter for the homeless vs. seeking shelter for yourself and your family?
- Distribute food to the hungry vs. being in line to receive a meal?
- Provide clean drinking water to people in developing countries vs. living in one of those countries while praying that one of your children doesn’t die from a water-borne disease tonight?
Genuine appreciation, I believe, isn’t about simply being thankful… it is so, so much more. If you genuinely pursue a purpose-driven life, I don’t believe you can over-develop your appreciation talents.
I cringe when reflecting back on my forfeitures due to my own lack of development. Even more painful are the forfeitures created when others weren’t able to appreciate me (either professionally or personally), no matter how much I wanted them to do so, for our mutual benefit.
What opportunities have you forfeited?
This magical opportunity of a unique life journey that we’ve all been blessed to partake in, is welcoming us with open arms. Do you have sufficient DMQ, Execution-Excellence and genuine appreciation for the opportunities presented to you?
Maybe “good” or “great” are achievable … but; “amazing” or “spectacular” are the only journeys Top-7%’ers pursue!
Who changes the world? I believe it’s almost exclusively the Top-7%. They are the only ones with the Talent Portfolios and social consciences needed to actually implement significant positive social impact.
If you believe you’re one of these executives, we’d love to explore possible opportunities.
Get Making A Difference! ~ JR
