The Power of “Thank You” — Why Appreciation Matters More Than You Think
“Thank You”.
Two little words most of us say without thinking, several times a day. Yet in the workplace, those same words can carry enormous weight. Being recognised for doing a good job — or simply for going the extra mile — makes us feel valued, motivated, and connected.
But what happens when that recognition never comes?
For the last ten months of my corporate role, I worked for a manager who didn’t believe in giving feedback. He rarely said thank you, and on one occasion, he even received glowing feedback about a piece of work I’d done… and chose not to pass it on to me.
When I raised this in a 1‑2‑1, his response was astonishing:
“That’s not my style, but clearly you’re the sort of person who needs feedback, so I’ll take that on board.”
In that moment, I felt as though wanting acknowledgment made me needy or overly sensitive. But the more I reflected, the more I realised the issue wasn’t mine. Choosing not to share positive feedback doesn’t make someone strong or efficient — it makes them appear dismissive and disconnected. It shows a lack of respect.
Unsurprisingly, the relationship deteriorated after that conversation, and eventually I was made redundant. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I took it as an opportunity. I stepped away from the corporate politics and built my own business.
And almost immediately, I found myself working with clients who genuinely appreciated what I did. Clients who said thank you. Clients who recognised the value I brought.
Only then did I realise how demotivated I had become under my previous manager. How the absence of even the smallest acknowledgment can chip away at your confidence and self‑belief. Everyone wants to know they’re meeting — or exceeding — expectations. It’s human nature to want to feel appreciated.
And appreciation doesn’t need to be grand or dramatic.
Sometimes, those two simple words — “Thank you” — are enough to make someone’s day.
