You Did a Good Job!

These are the words most of us usually want to hear after putting our best foot forward. “You did a good job!”

Perhaps you are a loyal employee of a small company who, despite not getting a raise for many years, still buckles down. A friendless student who aced the final test. A patient online teacher who made it through a sarcastic student. A hardworking salesman who successfully closed a tough sale. A parent who burns the candle at both ends yet unappreciated. Or a mother hen who is always misunderstood. Different people, different walks of life. Yet, all just want to be appreciated. Such situations are upsetting but could be relieved if only someone would just say, “Hey, cheer up! You did a good job.”

I used to work in the recruitment department and interviewed a lot of job applicants almost every day. I always ask them this particular question, “What is your ideal working environment?” and in most interviews, those job applicants shared the common dream.

I realized it was not just me who wants to work in a happy workplace. These days, more and more millennials prefer a pleasant and conducive atmosphere with approachable and supportive colleagues to getting a high salary. Basically, they are searching for companies that will satisfy them and provide them with the happiest working experience they could have.

Well, I could not blame them at all, especially that most of them were fresh graduates. Of course, I would also want to have a memorable first work experience.

An enjoyable environment leads to better ideas.

Anyone who feels happy at the moment suddenly works effectively and quickly. Now that I am a work-from-home mom, I noticed a sudden boost of energy when my virtual co-worker sends me a heart-eyed emoji or heart-reacts to my remark or report. I just feel very appreciated.

Interestingly, a happy employee is more creative and productive. Even a simple “Thank you” note from the superior is an effective way to show appreciation.

However, many employers are not sensitive enough to show small acts or tell a few words of kindness and gratitude which leads to employees’ poor performances and endless complaints.

In households, mothers also become enthusiastic and excited about doing the house chores when their children say, “You’re pretty, Mom!” or “These cookies are the best.” Or when husbands tell their wives, “You are amazing!” Happy wife, happy life indeed!

We are all part of the big picture.

Even the lowest rank employee can help the company in its success. The youngest child in the family can suggest ideas to guide the parents’ decisions. The timid student may already have the answer and could have shared brilliant ideas with the whole class.

But because of excluding these people and no frequent communication between family members, rare company events, and selected participants at class discussions, it leads to unclear dissemination of information and worse, resentment.

Communication is vital to have a good relationship with one another. Companies should conduct a survey and let many employees take part. Families should regularly meet and ask about each other’s current situation. Teachers should take time to get to know each of his/her students to better understand and assess the behavior. In this way, all of us will have a much better comprehension, meaningful consideration, and fair judgment.

Frequent Recognition.

There are many ways to reward our children, employees, students, and even our good friends. Recognition is an effective way of motivating a person to do better, to work harder, and to be excited about waking up each day. My previous co-workers said that it is even more effective than getting a raise.

Small, frequent recognitions in companies such as the “Employee of the Month” award make the employee feel inspired to work better. When I was assigned to handle a team, I was very diligent in recognizing the top teachers of the month. I always made sure that I prepared cute and colorful graphics and posted them to our channel so that everyone could see and read their names. As a result, they felt valued, they served more lessons, and they were motivated to maintain or improve their good teaching performance.

In our household, whenever my sons get high test scores or even low, or able to clean the house without my command, I also make sure to give them something they love. A couple of hours for them to play Roblox for instance. It made them feel loved and appreciated. Also, they also grow up being grateful. My sons always say “Thank you” to me and my husband. They say thanks not only to God but also to my husband, who always cooks dinner for us before they eat.

My takeaways

Showing genuine gratitude and telling people around you how blessed you are for having them do not only tighten relationships. Moreover, it results in having strong mental and emotional health.

If you are feeling invalidated and unvalued, do not fret. Keep on persevering and believing that people improve and better days are coming soon. In case you have not heard, Hey, you’re doing a great job! 👏👏👏

“Believe that God is giving you a message today. He is saying to you, “You can conquer your Goliath. Because I created you and, as a policy, I only make champions. Nothing less.” — Bo Sanchez

Thank you so much for reading my reflections today. 💖