Power of Appreciation

Today, after a long hiatus (long meaning a few days for a freak like me), I was watching some good videos on YouTube. Among others, I also watched the 2007 Harvard Commencement Address by Bill Gates. The video was not new to me. I had watched it before.

It was a familiar story. A well-known person delivering a resounding speech enhanced by several rounds of applauses, at the beginning, in the end and also many times in between. 

However, this time, my attention went to an ordinary thing - the enthusiastic applause by the audience, including the VIPS on the dias, who stood up and clapped vigorously. These people know how to applaud and show appreciation. Perhaps that is what helps them excel in whatever they do. Perhaps that helps them draw the best brains and talent from around the world to their colleges, universities, companies and enterprises, leading to a sustained cycle of innovation, leaderships, business excellence and prosperity. 

In our part of the world, it is far too easy to find fault and be suspicious. It is so much less easy to find positivity and show appreciation. Perhaps that kills enthusiasm in those of us who have it. Perhaps that enhances whatever little cynicism in those of us who have them. We tend to enhance the latter at the cost of the former. When we speak, we try vigorously to defend ourselves and deflect liability. We tend to show different causes for our incompetence or inefficiency. We even tend to point the accusing fingers at others. We do not tend to accept our limitations and appreciate whatever level of cooperation we get from other. We lament about the adversities but shy away from mentioning anything about what we did to capitalize on the opportunities we get. We fail to concede. We fail to acknowledge. We tend to make excuses. We tend to make accusations. Perhaps we need to turn the table. We need to start to appreciate as much as we can. We should acknowledge our own limitations and start taking responsibilities. If we are at a leading position, why not take responsibilities for others failures while let them take responsibility for collective success? May be that act of altruism shall come back to us leaders, amplified manifolds. May be we can turn thing around. Once we all become positive, the tide will turn. May be then we shall start seeing brighter sides more often and may be things shall start being brighter in reality. 

Attitude is a great asset. May be we need to learn to use it in a positive way. May be we can make it much more positive for great results. 

Wednesday, 29 January 2020 (15 Magh 2076)