During a session last week on The Power of Acknowledgment at the Saba Centra Regional Users Group conference — the company that created the software for the virtual courses we teach at IIL — a woman named Debbie who works at a major pharmaceutical company rose to the occasion when all participants were asked to think of someone they truly need to acknowledge. Debbie thought of her daughter, who as a single mom is raising her own daughter, and doing what Debbie thinks is a great job of it. She pledged to deliver an acknowledgment to her daughter over the weekend and today “reported back” the following:
“When I saw her this weekend, I walked up to her and told her I had something to tell her. I told her that I realize how hard it was to be a single mom raising a child but that I was extremely proud of her. She then asked me why I was so proud of her. I told her that I felt she has raised her daughter with good morals and manners and it shows when Briana is around other people - especially out in public. Well, she almost started to cry and told me that she was very happy that I felt that way about her. My daughter Kris does not have a high level of self-esteem and I could tell from what I said, it made her feel better about herself. I think that I am going to go and buy a Hallmark card and send it to her so that she has it as a remembrance. Thank you for making me open my eyes and realizing that others need and want acknowledgement - just like me.”
Well Debbie, I fully acknowledge you for stepping up to the plate and identifying your daughter as someone who would greatly benefit from your heartfelt and authentic acknowledgment. Look at the wonderful result you have produced! The fact that you are also willing and committed to putting the acknowledgment into a form that Kris can revisit whenever her self-esteem feels low, is further evidence that you are committed to making a difference in the world. Thank you for letting this message in so deeply and with such conviction. Thank you for being willing to help repair the world, one person at a time, using the power of acknowledgment.
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I attended Judy’s webinar on May 15th and posted the following in the chat window:
“I recently received acknowledgement from a past subordinate/co-worker (10 yrs after) that validated my philosophy of mentorship and project management - it was totally unexpected to see her 40-day blog series about people that made business ‘personal’…acknowledging students and subordinates along the way no doubt led to the write up (http://ljlanding.blogspot.com/2009/04/40-day-series-thank-you-susan-morgan.html). This has totally changed my attitude in these rough economic times and I plan to pay it forward to those that may or may not have realized the impact they made on me.”
Lisa Qualls blogged to thank (acknowledge) 40 people that had made a difference in her life and career by making business personal. When she acknowledged me, I had no warning, but it couldn’t have come at a better time. As a project management in the telecom sector, I’ve experienced the ebb and flow of the past economic decade - currently in a low point for me. When looking a new engagement (possibly a career change) one reviews past performance reviews, work situations, and often question what we have done. You think about what worked and what didn’t work when you are looking for your next opportunity!
I was questioning a specific performance review that stated I’d never move too far (up) because I associate too much with subordinates - it was a year when every formal quality acknowledgement was given to subordinates (no peers or management). Do you change what is your core philosophy or remain yourself? Mentorship was vital to me when I started out and I’ve always contended that mentoring, training without fear tactics, and acknowledging the newbies is a ‘must do’ for management and executives. While I’m still searching for that right fit opportunity (unemployment is always rough), thanks to Lisa’s blog I know I will look for an environment that appreciates mentorship and a personal approach to business - that past performance review will remind me to openly acknowledge peers and management as well, but I’m sure that there IS life after layoff!
No doubt the 39 others Lisa acknowledge have benefited from her blog series - it would be interesting to see what that acknowledgement did for the others!
Susan Morgan, PMP
Comment: Susan M Morgan – 15. May 2009 @ 11:30 am