Reading "5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace" (I)

Bought this book and had the read the introduction (only) a couple of months ago.

Several points to note:

• The number one factor in job satisfaction is not the amount of pay, but whether or not the individuals feels appreciated and valued for the work they do.
• In Chapter it, one key phrase is "Why "Just say Thanks" doesn't work?" Well, what matters is how it's being communicated. The "How" is important... as mentioned a couple pages later, "we will not feel encouraged unless the message is communicated through our "primary language". That also explained why many employees are not encouraged when they receive a reward as part of the company's recognition plan - it doesn't speak in their preferred language of appreciation.
• Employees are more likely to "burn out" when they do not feel appreciated or emotionally supported by their supervisors
• The concept of encouraging colleagues and showing appreciation to coworkers was valued by individuals in virtually all roles and settings.
• People want to encourage and show appreciation to those with whom they work regardless of the organisational role they have.
• People in the workplace need to feel appreciation in order for them to enjoy their jobs, do their best work, continue working over the long haul.

The above are extracted from the first 2 chapters, which make a lot of sense.

"Job satisfaction is not the amount of pay". Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, one's basic needs have to be taken care of before moving on towards seeking and (eventually) attaining the "nirvana" (spiritual needs). In today's society, we can't possibly just renounce everything to become a sage! (Though I wish I could). There are basics of others to be taken care of... unless one is no longer tied to any relationships! (especially family's!). However, once we are capable of ensuring the "basic" (material) needs are taken care of, certainly "Job satisfaction", I would say, would be more loosely linked to the amount of pay. One would start turn to devoting time, effort and energy to derive satisfaction from what one is doing... that's also where the 'joy' starts to generate. I think, the thought of "I don't mind doing extra" kicks in...

The next point about communication... the "How" is important... and it determines how effective the message goes to the recipient of the message. "How" - in way manner that the recipient catches it... and "How" it has touched the recipient's heart. I think, for all the appreciating words that we wanted to communicate, we want the recipient to be able to feel our sincerity and that the words come from the bottom of our heart! Hence, being about to make the connection matters! Some people have powerful vocabulary, some do not. While those who are strong in their languages of course would be able to express their appreciation well through words that are very beautifully weaved together! However, for those who are not gifted in languages, I feel that they are still able to express it well, though it could be of a few simple words, it's the sincerity that you make the recipient feel it. That's impactful - 尽在不言中，用心去体会！

Another point to note is, there exists a "reciprocate" mechanism in this whole "appreciation" process. While one feel appreciated when affirmed of the good "deeds"/ works carried out, being in the shoes to show appreciation draws another level of satisfaction because one is aware, able to recognise and acknowledges (that he/she is fortunate enough to) what they are enjoying the good things showered upon them.