A leader’s ability to authentically recognize and value their team’s efforts isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for fostering trust, engagement, and high performance. In the fast-paced world of work, where deadlines, metrics, and projects often dominate the agenda, one critical factor can make or break a team’s success: appreciation. 

In fact, research consistently highlights how critical employee recognition is. A study by Gallup found that employees who feel adequately recognized are four times more likely to be engaged in their work compared to those who don’t. Meanwhile, Workhuman reports that 82% of employees feel more motivated to work hard when their contributions are recognized. Showing appreciation isn’t just good for morale—it’s directly tied to productivity, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction.

Traditional notions of leadership emphasize strength, confidence, and unwavering authority. However, in today's world - authenticity and emotional intelligence are valued more than ever. Embracing vulnerability is key to maintaining a relevant and responsive work culture, and as a powerful tool for effective leadership.