"Jamie, I have some feedback for you about your help with these magazines." Eileen said. "Would you like to have it?" Jamie squirmed, hesitated a bit, then said, "Sure, I guess." Eileen continued, "I appreciate your persistence in tracking down these magazines for us. It really means a lot to me and Wayne to have these two copies because we are quoted in them. You made several phone calls to the magazine distributor and kept us informed of your progress. You physically searched the boxes even after you were told by the distributor that they sent you another magazine by mistake."

Jamie is an employee of a bookseller in Kansas City where I live. Eileen, my wife and business partner, and I were recently quoted and photographed in the cover article of the magazine. We don't subscribe to the magazine and we had no luck locating any copies until we found Jamie.

Appreciation Has Powerful Effects:
The direct expression of appreciation is something I borrow from the field of counseling, specifically from the work of Virginia Satir, inventor of family systems therapy. One reason why appreciation is powerful is that "I appreciate you" is very different than "thank you." Many of us were taught to say please and thank you whether we want to or not because it is polite. We often do it automatically. An appreciation is special, intimate, and should always be given thoughtfully and freely.

Some Effects of Appreciation: Expressions of appreciation can have powerful effects:

• Enhances self-esteem for both giver and receiver
  
• Can be instructive for the receiver if it is specific and descriptive
  
• Creates a human connection between giver and receiver
  
• Feels good, though perhaps a little awkward at first
  
• Encourages collaborative relationships among project members
  

For More on Satir System Techniques:
The Satir Model, Family Therapy and Beyond, by Virginia Satir, John Banmen, Jane Gerber, Maria Gomori (Science and Behavior Books, Inc.) ISBN 8314-0078-1.