People stay and thrive where they are safe and appreciated, especially where the leaders of such a place or organisation, in one way or another make them feel recognised – and through their actions display their appreciation of the people with them.
Many great organisations have lost out on some phenomenal people, simply because they were not appreciated enough – or if they did, that appreciation was never communicated to them.
Over time, I have seen some brilliant young individuals excitedly join certain organisations with much enthusiasm and expectations that it seemed contagious – but over time, as the months and years went by, it became a struggle for those individuals to even want to continue at that organisation.
It became a sad sight to see someone once so full of passion and grit, grinning down at someone who simply had no desire or interest to do what they once loved.
That, I have come to realise, is the result of not being appreciated at your workplace or in your relationships.
It becomes so difficult to do what you so dearly loved or even what you are competent at, simply because your work and efforts are not being recognised or appreciated.
It is even worse when they are overlooked, especially if a certain project was your brainchild or came about as a result of your unwavering determination.
It is no secret that people find comfort in what is familiar to them.
If, unfortunately, you have not had the privilege of being at a place where you are appreciated and rewarded for your efforts, as an insider, it becomes difficult to see the predicament you are in.
It is sad, but a lot of people, especially the youth, have accepted it as a way of life that they should accept any treatment and exploitation as long as it puts food on the table.
If you believe you are as good and as worthy as you are – and your work and efforts reflect that, but you are not appreciated or sufficiently reward, address that issue.
It is better to know where you stand and the way forward to be able to assess your value in any given situation before someone does it for you.
Go where you are appreciated!
- Olavi Popyeinawa
Twitter: @olavipopyeinawa
Email: olavipopyeinawa@gmail.com