Leadership Thought: Affirmation. The Gift That Even Cows Can Give

Dear Friends

Mr. Charles Schwab was one of the first men ever to earn $1,000,000 a year. Why did Andrew Carnegie pay Schwab more than $3000 a day? Because he knew more about the manufacturing of steel than other people? No, Schwab said that he had many men working for him whose technical knowledge surpassed his. Schwab got paid such a handsome amount of money because of his ability to deal with people. Here is a secret expressed in his own words.

“I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among the men, the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. There is nothing else that so kills the ambitions of man as the criticisms from his superiors. I never criticize anyone. I believe in giving a man the incentive to work, so I am anxious to praise but loath to find fault. If I like anything, I am hearty in my appreciation and lavish in my praise."

Affirmation is a gift that can be even more valuable if you don’t always give it right away, but instead, you wait to recall the details of an incident and you share it later.

19^th century writer, Sir Henry Taylor, wrote this: “Applaud a man’s speech at the moment when he sits down, and he will take your compliment as exacted by the demands of common civility; but let some space intervene, and then show him that the merits of his speech have remained with you when you might have been expected to have forgotten it, and he will remember your compliment for a much longer time than he would have if you had given it right away.

In his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie writes the rare individual who satisfies one's hunger for praise, will hold his audience in the palm of his hand, and even the undertaker will be sorry when he dies.”

Gandhi inspired millions of people to go beyond their native limits and accomplish unheard of feats. Louis Fisher, one of Gandhi’s most important biographers, provides a clue to the Indian leader’s genius for inspiring people. He refused to see the bad in people. He often changed human beings by regarding them not as what they were, but as what they could be and what they wanted to be.

Affirmation and appreciation are similar in nature. Affirmation generally deals with the acknowledgement of character, while appreciation often relates to the recognition of accomplishment. We appreciate what people do, and we affirm what people are.

Affirmation is a characteristic of Paul's communication. Regardless of the nature of his concern, he often introduces his letters by stating something positive about the character of his recipients. Whether it was their faith, or their joy, or their evangelistic zeal, he always seemed to find a way to affirm them.

To the Thessalonians He begins, “Dear brothers and sisters, we always thank God for you, as is right, for we are thankful that your faith is flourishing, and you are all growing in love for each other. We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecution and hardships you are suffering.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3. The Living Bible)

The famous psychologist William James wrote that the deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be affirmed (appreciated).

Yes, most of us crave affirmation; it’s oxygen to our souls.

And you know what? It’s so easy to give that even cows can offer it: Cow to a Maine farmer- “Thank you for a warm hand on a cold morning.”

Have a great day and be sure to place affirmation on your agenda for today. Think of at least one person to affirm by telling them how much you appreciate them and how much they mean to you. You'll be glad and so will the person who receives it.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom