Taking people for granted is an all-too-common problem in the business world. Most of us have taken someone for granted and we only truly realize how much that employee, boss or colleague meant to us after the fact.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 64 percent of Americans who leave their jobs say they do so because they don't feel appreciated. Gallup reports that almost 70 percent of people in the United States say they receive no praise or recognition in the workplace. As a culture, we don't do a very good job of expressing our appreciation for one another, especially at work.

Bringing More Appreciation to Work

We often waste too much time and energy focusing on what we don't like, what we're worried about or what we think needs to be fixed, changed or enhanced. What if we stopped this negative obsession and started paying more attention to the good stuff?

Imagine how this simple but profound shift could transform our work groups, our professional relationships, our results and ultimately our lives. Our experience is a function of what we focus on; each and every moment we have a choice about where we place our attention.

It's important to confront, face and deal with difficulties; however, we don't have to obsess about the bad stuff and let it run us. We each can consciously choose to focus on the good stuff and in the process, appreciate the people with whom we work.

There are great things happening in your company and with your coworkers all the time—if you choose to look for them. And, exercising the power of appreciation with your colleagues and in your organization takes some focus, practice and courage.

Five Principles for Using the Power of Appreciation

1. Be Grateful
   Focus on the things you are grateful for at your job, your company and your overall work situation. Take inventory of the good stuff around you and be willing to let others know about it. This is not some fake, Pollyanna approach to things, just looking for good stuff and paying attention to it.
2. Choose Positive Thoughts and Feelings
   Make a conscious decision to transform your negative thoughts and feelings into ones that empower you. This is not about avoiding the bad ones; this is about noticing your thoughts and feelings, and choosing positive ones. Our personal thoughts and feelings impact our attitudes, which ultimately dictate our actions. If more people within the organization paid attention to their thoughts and feelings and chose positive ones, the culture of the organization would change in a very positive way.
3. Use Positive Words
   Pay attention to the words you use with others and in speaking about yourself. Speak with the most positive words possible. Our words have the power to create, not just describe. As coworkers, and especially if you are a manager, the words you use and the things you say to others have a huge impact.
4. Acknowledge Others
   Focus on what you appreciate about the people around you and let them know. Be sincere and let others know the positive impact they have on you and what they are doing well. Whether you are their boss or not, most people are starving for appreciation—especially at work. You can empower people in an incredibly effective way by letting them know what you appreciate about them.
5. Appreciate Yourself
   Celebrate who you are, what you do, and the many gifts and talents you have. Self-appreciation is not arrogance; it's an awareness of your own power and the key to self-confidence, success and fulfillment. In business we have to make sure first and foremost we believe in ourselves and know what we do well. It is also important to let your boss know about your successes as a way to create more success and opportunity. Self appreciation, or lack thereof, is the foundation of the morale and culture of any team or organization. A group of people who truly appreciate themselves can produce extraordinary results.