Appreciation as a Leadership Superpower
- Cristina Wilson
- May 1
- 2 min read
Last Wednesday, we celebrated National Administrative Professionals Day—and it reminded me just how often the quietest contributors have the loudest impact.
Behind every goal achieved, every smooth operation, every mission accomplished—there are unsung heroes. The individuals who show up early, stay late, and give their best with little fanfare. Their contributions might not always be public, but they are essential.
In my own journey—through deployments, leadership roles, and nonprofit work—there’s one thing I’ve learned over and over again: People don’t just need direction. They need to feel appreciated.
Appreciation is not a nice-to-have—it’s a leadership superpower. When you recognize others, you fuel trust, loyalty, and excellence. It says, I see you. I value you. You matter.
A handwritten note. A public shout-out. A private word of encouragement. These simple acts can transform teams, deepen relationships, and inspire people to go further than they thought possible.
So I ask you:
Who has been quietly making a difference in your life or team?
How can you shine a light on their contributions?
What small gesture of appreciation can you offer right now?
Because leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about how we make people feel.
Why Appreciation Matters in Leadership
Appreciation is not a soft skill—it’s a leadership strategy.
When we acknowledge someone’s efforts—whether through words, a note, a promotion, or public recognition—we do more than express thanks. We:
Build trust
Strengthen morale
Inspire loyalty
And multiply impact
It’s easy to overlook the quiet achievers. But true leadership is about seeing people—especially those who rarely seek the spotlight.
As we close out the month of April, take a moment to reflect:
Who on your team is showing up without being asked?
Who’s keeping the gears turning quietly?
How can you let them know they’re seen, valued, and appreciated?
A leader who appreciates often is a leader others want to follow.
Recommended Reading: Appreciation in Action
If you're looking to go deeper, here are 3 powerful books I recommend:
The 360° Leader by John Maxwell Shows how to lead from anywhere in an organization—and how influence and appreciation go hand in hand. https://amzn.to/4d2DjFK
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek A powerful reminder that servant leadership starts with valuing people first. https://amzn.to/4lOotXd
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman & Paul White Offers practical ways to tailor your appreciation to make it meaningful. https://amzn.to/4mdo94H
Get Your Free Leadership Reflection Journal
Want to build more appreciation into your daily practice? Start with intentional reflection.
👉 Download my Leadership Reflection Journal — a free resource to help you pause, process, and realign your leadership energy.
Let’s continue leading with purpose, gratitude, and heart.
Comments