Acknowledgement/Recognition: Babies cry for it, grown men die for it

Ever notice how people go absolutely nuts over getting recognized for their accomplishments?  For some, it seems that the reward is in the award.  Anything for that blue ribbon, that shiny brass trophy, or the gold medal saying you’re number 1!   I still have a trophy for being on the number one Little League team in 1965.  It’s one of my least proud accomplishments, however.  Why?  Because that trophy does not reflect the fact that I never got another hit after they took the practice tee away; the times I spent wandering right field and letting easy catches go because I was afraid the ball would hit me in the face; or the times I didn’t play at all, choosing instead to play with rocks off to the side of the field.  Yet there it is, my trophy, forever belying the fact that I had no place on that championship team.  How much better would that trophy feel today if I could feel worthy of having my name on it?

Now let’s get this straight — be generous in your acknowledgment and your recognition, as long as you are being genuine.  If not, your client will know it, and won’t take it in — and your credibility just went down a bit.  On the other hand, genuine, unbridled acknowledgment is always welcomed and appreciated.  That being said, I’m rather pleased to share some unsolicited acknowledgment from one of my clients, hidden in her lengthy list of what she’s grateful for in this week’s session preparation form:

“I’m grateful to have an amazing coach like Andrew supporting me in this process.  I’m sorry I have not acknowledged you sooner.  Thanks for being a part of my process.”

This grown man got a little teary eyed.  And you’re welcome, client!