conversations from the couch

I have the humbling privilege of leading a really great group of  volunteers. They function incredibly well in their roles–it’s sort of intimating how excellent they are–because they’re so much better than I am. I’m always in awe of the things they do, and who they are.

The volunteers I work with are actually so awesome they deserve extra-special appreciation, and I’m always dreaming up over-the-top ways to recognize them and honor their excellence with an appropriately excellent affirmation. I think up really cool and crazy stuff they’ll never forget!

Problem is, I rarely ever get beyond the lovey-squishy thoughts because my attention gets snagged on something else,  time marches forward, and the affirmation gets so embarrassingly late that it goes completely undone.  Worse yet, because I had spent so much time thinking about doing something so sweet and incredible, I give myself partial credit for thinking about it.

It’s shallow, selfish, an abuse of rationalization and poor leadership. Affirmation isn’t about a grand display, it’s about an authentic expression of gratitude.  Whether it’s a personal note, a hug in the hallway or a phone call to just say thank you, it’s not the presentation that matters. Volunteers (or anyone, for that matter) don’t need to be “wowed”, they need to be valued. It’s about stopping to recognize their gifts–not grandstanding one’s own in the midst of the expression.

And whether it’s a creative thank you or just a simple affirmation–none of it counts unless you actually do it. I’ve really gotta work on that.