MANILA, Philippines — Someone once said that “Operation Appreciation” is something anyone can do and everyone needs. A compliment or encouraging word can help dreams and ambitions become reality.” True indeed.

While there are many people going to bed hungry every night, there are many more people who go to bed every night hungry for a word of encouragement, appreciation and recognition. Simply because one of the cravings, if not the deepest craving of human nature is the need to feel appreciated.

Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics once said that “Every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important’. If you can do that, you’ll be a success not only in business but in life as well.”

Unfortunately, many people do not put importance in encouraging and complimenting others. Like many of our exporters. And other businessmen as well.

I know one exporter who pays his workers very high salaries. In spite of this, the turn-over of the workers is very fast and very high.

One of the employees who left the company has this to say: “Our boss treats us as if we are machines without feelings and emotions. We hesitate to go to his office because he is a cold person.

He does not greet us when we meet in the office; he does not smile; and he does not come, not even once to our social gatherings Believe it or not, in my one year stay in his company, he never showed appreciation for what I was doing for his company. Nobody seems important to him. It may not be true, but this my impression of him.”

Showing sincere appreciation and giving encouragement or praise to others have tremendous impact in our lives. On the other hand, withholding appreciation, encouragement and compliment from others have unpleasant consequences.

Let me share with you the true story of a notorious killer and ruthless armed robber in England whose evil ways were found to be rooted in his childhood. I read this account about this man (let’s call him “A”) in a book some years ago:

“A’s teacher routinely called on him to stand and read a passage in front of his class. A would step to the front of the room, hesitantly take the book from his teacher and attempt to do what he was instructed.

The words seemed to run together and the harder he tries, the more inept he became. He repeatedly stumbled through the passages as the knickers from the classroom reverberated in his mind.

“On one occasion A was having an unusually difficult time with the reading assignment. Open laughter ensued in the classroom and even his sister buried her head in laughter and embarrassment. As he turned to the teacher for support, she too was hiding her laughter.

“Crushed, this timid little boy exploded in anger. He threw the book against the wall and ran out the door.

As he exited, he screamed, “You will fear me! You will hate me! But this will be the last time you laugh at me! As he ran, he killed, looted and demeaned all those he came in contact with for the remainder of his life.

“The word encouragement means “to put courage into.” Encouragement provides the support people need to pursue their dreams and aspirations. It also fuels inspiration needed to face day-to-day challenges.

“Life could have been different for A. He wasn’t born a criminal.” What might have happened had A been encouraged by the teacher instead of being laughed at – would have been different, because the way we treat others is what they become.

Psychologists ‘research show that if we pay compliments or sincere praise to others, they will strive to live up to the compliments paid them.

In the same way that children try to get attention any way they can – even by misbehaving – some adults, too do something wrong to get attention.

Yes, if we want more productivity in our economy, employers and other businessmen must handle their people with special care. They must not be stingy in giving encouragement and importance to their people.

So that the people will be stimulated to make the best possible use of their potential abilities. In return, the people will respect and love their bosses for making them feel important and wanted.

Many times, we see business executives with impressive academic records who are struggling and having a difficult time in motivating their people to give their best - while we see other business executives whose grades in local colleges are barely passing but who can motivate their people with great ease and style.

Demonstrating that the skill in dealing with people, in motivating them and inspiring them with sincere encouragement and praise is not determined by impressive scholastic records. It is a matter of attitude.

Have a joyful day!