THE POWER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Acknowledgement is one of, if not the most important tools to motivate people. It also happens to be lacking in Australian culture.

“I recently had a discussi on with an American historian about why Australians find it so difficult to acknowledge one another and his response was very thought provoking “it was greatly tied up with our convict history and the English class system” he said.

Your forefathers did not come to this country to pioneer a new nation and to explore and build new frontiers; they came here in chains to be punished. The British class system reinforced this view point so that people were “kept in their place”. To rise above the rest is to become like them, to be successful or rich represented tyranny so an egalitarian society developed based on every one being poor together. In other words;

BEING RICH OR SUCCESSFUL=BAD.

America was born out of men and women who fled from Europe to escape from tyranny and religious persecution. They came as free people and as pioneers to create and build a new life. Australians came as victims of that tyranny without much hope and destitute!

Despite all this we have developed into a very egalitarian & prosperous society. Unfortunately, the Tall Poppy Syndrome has planted itself deep in the Australian psyche. This syndrome, at its worst knocks anyone who tries to get ahead and at best ignores anyone that succeeds on any level.

Say what you l ike about the Americans –having worked amongst them has taught me that they know how to acknowledge themselves and others. The saying “If you’ve got it! Flaunt it” could have only originated in America.

Americans ack nowl edge their country, their flag, their bill of rights, their lifestyle and their freedom.

The Am erican service industry is miles ahead or ours. I have been called "Sir" more times in America compared to anywhere else in the world could there be a connection between management acknowledging their staff and staff giving great service? I believe there is. Thousands of people leave their jobs because of lack of acknowledgement. Every day good staff and good management leave their employers simply because their efforts, their sacrifice, their commitment, creativity and loyalty go unnoticed unseen and unacknowledged so…they leave.

You can give staff the h ighest wages but if the appreciation for their efforts and persistence is not acknowledged they will leave. Express sincere thanks and gratitude and they will walk over hot coals for you!