Hey there, friends! Matt Hunter here, taking a moment to dive into a topic that's been on my mind lately – appreciation. As we navigate through November and December, a season of thankfulness, I can't help but reflect on the significance of appreciation in our lives. So, let's chat about why appreciation isn't just a word we throw around during Thanksgiving but a crucial element in our relationships, be it family, friends, marriage, or even business.

Defining Appreciation: More Than Just Thankfulness

First things first, what exactly is appreciation? To me, it's more than a mere expression of gratitude. Appreciation involves recognizing and enjoying the positive qualities in someone. It goes beyond a simple "thank you" and extends into making someone feel valued and important. 

Throughout my personal and professional journey, I've come to realize the profound impact that appreciation has on our lives and in the workplace. Feeling appreciated is akin to feeling valued – as an individual, a spouse, a friend, a colleague, or anyone in service. It's a universal desire we all harbor, and it significantly contributes to our sense of worth and satisfaction. Oftentimes it can be the difference in what can make or break someone's day. 

From Fronline to STG: A Tale of Appreciation and Culture Shifts

Let me share a couple of stories to illustrate this point. During my time at Frontline for a solid 15 years, I felt not only secure in my position but also deeply appreciated. The company's culture, the dynamic with my colleagues, and the acknowledgment from the owner, Rick, all made me feel valued.

However, when the company was sold, and I transitioned into a new role, that sense of appreciation vanished. It wasn't just a change in job title; it was a culture shift. The importance of appreciation became starkly clear as I struggled in the new environment, realizing how crucial it is in fostering a positive and productive atmosphere.

Everyone Has Value: From the CEO to the Janitor

Appreciation isn't selective. It should be a universal practice. Whether you're interacting with the CEO or the janitor, acknowledging and valuing every individual's contribution fosters a healthy and inclusive environment. A great example of this is a moment I shared with an employee of a restaurant Lisa and I visited in Las Vegas years ago. I noticed him working hard and keeping his head down, but something came over me that caused me to ask for his name. Before we knew it, Lisa and I were learning all about this kid’s story, and how he is working to support himself, and in the end, I could tell the gratitude and interest we showed in him made a complete difference in how he was!

The Vulnerable Side of Appreciation in Marriage

Now, let's get personal. Appreciation isn't just vital in the workplace or at dinner; it's a cornerstone in personal relationships, especially in marriage. I've experienced moments of vulnerability where I needed to communicate my need for appreciation to my wife, Lisa. It's a two-way street where understanding each other's needs becomes crucial for a thriving relationship. I find that women (men as well, but mostly women) respond very well to the words that we give them! Encouragement, compliments, and open communication, in general, are great tools for us as men to let our wives know that we appreciate everything they do for our family! Now, again, I understand that the same can be true for men as well, and in fact, I am one of them. I would encourage you to do your best to identify some of the best ways that you can express the gratitude you have for your spouse!

Breaking Stereotypes: Men Need Appreciation Too

There's a prevailing stereotype that men, being the tough guys, don't need appreciation. However, I've come to realize that it's a fundamental need for many, myself included. In sharing this vulnerability with my wife, I found strength and purpose in knowing that my contributions are valued and appreciated. Strangely enough, this kind of recognition usually isn’t something that we, as men, realize we need until we experience it. If you are a husband, I would encourage you to think about your life and imagine the positive impact it would make to have your wife express her appreciation for you—whether that be through words, gifts, or any other gesture that resonates with you!

Show, Don't Just Tell: Appreciation in Action

Appreciation isn't just about saying the words; it's about demonstrating it through actions. In our Airbnb business, beyond taking care of our teams financially, we actively show appreciation with thoughtful gestures, incentives, and even sharing stays with them. Strengthening these relationships has a direct impact on the success of our business and we truly wouldn’t be able to do all of this without them. It’s important that we are transparent with our team on that and Lisa and I always try to put them first in thinking of ways we can show our gratitude, not just during the holidays but all year round.

Shining Spotlights and Strengthening Relationships

Reflecting on my time at Frontline, we used to shine the spotlight on employees, recognizing their contributions publicly. Early on in my career, I heard the quote, “Praise in public, critique in private.”It’s a small gesture that went a long way, making each team member feel appreciated and at home within the company. This concept holds true not only in business but in all relationships – appreciation solidifies and strengthens the bond.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Relationships through Appreciation

As we navigate the holiday season, let's elevate our perspective on thankfulness. Instead of merely listing things we're thankful for, I challenge you to actively show appreciation to the people who make a difference in our lives. Whether through verbal affirmation, thoughtful gestures, or recognition, let's make a conscious effort to make others feel valued. 

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Appreciation

In wrapping up this reflection on appreciation this week I encourage each one of you to take a moment and consider the individuals in your life who deserve recognition, a little extra TLC and just a moment of gratitude for who they are and what they do in your life.. In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, showing appreciation is a powerful way to build meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging.

So, here's to a season of Thanksgiving – in family, with friends, in marriage, and in business. May we all actively contribute to making the world a more appreciative and connected place.

Cheers, and Happy Thanksgiving,

Matt Hunter