How to Build a Culture of Appreciation as a Manager

My mission is to transform the global conversation around giving and receiving recognition by providing programs that develop awareness, support authentic communication, and make a tangible difference in people’s lives at work and at home. Over the last few five years alone, I have worked with more than 7000 managers and employees from around the world to rethink their relationship to giving and receiving recognition and transform the conversation in their workplace to one where people feel fully valued and appreciated every day. I started my career designing and facilitating programs to bring individuals from the most protracted international conflicts (Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine, India/Pakistan, Armenia/Azerbaijan and most recently, Syria) into the room together to challenge their perceptions. For twelve years, I have committed my life to humanizing relationships and supporting people to authentically connect, communicate and see the good in the person across the table. Although these experiences greatly influence and guide my work, it was the way a 15-minute acknowledgment activity transformed what had been a toxic, seemingly irresolvable conflict with my partner (yes, it is ironic we are conflict resolution specialists),into what to this day is the most authentic and productive work relationship I have ever had. It was the power of this experience that ignited my passion for employee recognition, launched my research, and subsequently, my training programs and company Beyond Thank You. I work internationally and I am based jointly in Lebanon, Chile, and the United States.