Expressing Appreciation Authentically

Expressing authentic appreciation is a powerful way to build trust and motivation within your team. In this unit, you’ll learn how to move beyond routine praise and make your recognition truly resonate. By focusing on the real impact of your team’s work and acknowledging their unique efforts, you’ll foster a culture where people feel genuinely valued.

As a finance manager, your 1:1 meetings are a key opportunity to recognize your team’s contributions in a way that drives engagement and performance. When you use these meetings to offer specific, meaningful appreciation, you not only boost morale but also reinforce the behaviors and standards that matter most in your department. This is especially important in finance, where attention to detail, accuracy, and proactive problem-solving are critical to success.

Generic praise like "Great job!" or "Thanks for your hard work" often falls flat because it lacks substance. Instead, aim for recognition that is specific and meaningful. For example, saying "Your analysis helped us catch a budget overrun before it became an issue" shows you noticed the details and understand the value of their contribution. This approach not only motivates but also reinforces the behaviors you want to see more of.

To make your appreciation more effective in 1:1s, focus on two elements:

• Observed Actions: Point out the specific actions or decisions you directly noticed.
• Outcomes: Connect those actions to the positive results or improvements they led to.

For example:

This technique ensures your feedback is grounded in real events and highlights the tangible impact of your team member’s work.

When you share how someone’s actions have directly affected you or the team, your appreciation becomes more personal and memorable. For instance, "Your proactive update last Friday meant I could walk into the leadership meeting fully prepared—thank you for making my job easier" connects their effort to a real outcome. It’s equally important to recognize when someone goes above and beyond. A simple statement like "I know you worked late to get the report finished, and I really appreciate the extra effort you put in" honors their dedication and encourages a sense of belonging.

• Jessica: Hey Ryan, I wanted to thank you for the way you handled the budget review this week.
• Ryan: Thanks, Jessica. I just tried to make sure everything was accurate.
• Jessica: You did more than that. Your attention to detail caught a reporting error that could have thrown off our entire forecast. "Your analysis helped us catch a budget overrun before it became an issue."
• Ryan: I’m glad I could help.
• Jessica: Also, I know you stayed late to double-check those numbers. "I really appreciate the extra effort you put in—it made a big difference for the team."

In this exchange, Jessica avoids generic praise and instead highlights the specific impact of Ryan’s work, as well as the extra effort he contributed. Notice how this approach makes the appreciation feel genuine and motivating, reinforcing the key ideas from this unit.

By practicing these techniques—especially focusing on observed actions and outcomes—in your 1:1s, you’ll create a more engaged and motivated finance team. In the next role-play session, you’ll have the chance to apply these skills and see how authentic appreciation can transform your team’s experience.