The other night, I sat with my son as he worked through his Valentine’s list — you know the drill: making sure every classmate got a treat and double-checking that we had enough Fun Dip packets for everyone he wanted to include. As he went down the list, I got a front-row seat to how much thought he put into each name:
📌 “This friend helped me with math last week.”
📌 “This guy always lets me play with him.”
While I was mainly there to ensure we weren’t scrambling for extra candy and that his handwriting was somewhat legible, I found myself completely drawn in by his appreciation for the people who made a difference in his little world. And you know what? That’s exactly how leadership should be. No fancy chocolates. No grand gestures. Because leadership isn’t all that different from a fourth-grade Valentine’s list.
Valentine’s Day tends to get hijacked by romantic relationships, extravagant gifts, and far too many heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. But did you know…
Back in the 18th century, Valentine’s Day wasn’t just for couples. It was a day to express appreciation—not just to partners, but to friends, mentors, and colleagues.
People exchanged handwritten notes to recognize those who mattered in their lives. No expensive gifts. No over-the-top pressure. Just genuine appreciation for the people who made a difference.
And when you really think about it, isn’t that exactly what great leadership is supposed to be?
Appreciation = Leadership Love in Action
If you’re reading this, it means you’ve heard me speak, shared a post, taken action on something I’ve taught, or even brought me in to work with your team.
To YOU, I say: THANK YOU.
I am so incredibly grateful for your support, your kindness, and your encouragement.
It’s the same kind of appreciation as “helped me with my math homework when I felt like crying” or “invited me to play basketball when I was swinging solo.”
So here’s your reminder:
✅ Tell someone why they matter.
✅ Let people know how they’ve impacted you.
✅ Hand out some leadership Fun Dip – metaphorically orliterally (your call).
We all need people who show up for us. But we ALSO need to recognize the ones who do.
And you don’t have to wait for a holiday. If you’ve been meaning to say thank you, show appreciation, or remind your people why they matter…
📌 This is your sign.
Here are some simple ways to put appreciation into action – because you didn’t think I’d tell you how important it is without giving you some tools, right?
💌 Handwritten Notes: Write a short thank-you note to someone who’s made an impact on your team. Old-school? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
🎤 Shout Them Out: Start your next meeting with a quick appreciation moment. Recognize a team member who went the extra mile. Bonus points if you make it a habit!
📲 Unexpected Praise: Send a Slack message, text, or email just to say, “Hey, I see you. You’re doing amazing work.”
☕ Small Treats, Big Impact: Surprise your team with coffee, snacks, or (yes) actual Fun Dip to say, “You matter.” It’s the little things that go a long way!
🔄 Pass the Gratitude Forward: Challenge your team to each recognize someone this week. Appreciation is contagious – and a powerful way to build a positive culture.
Strategy Coach (helping you zoom out for clarity and zoom in for action!)
P.S. Want to Build a Culture of Appreciation in Your Team?
Creating a culture of appreciation isn’t just about feeling good – it leads to better communication, stronger connections, and higher engagement.
Let’s work together to make leadership something people actually want to follow.
📅 Let’s chat!!! Book time to talk today!