Part 5
Most of us have felt embarrassment and feeling uncomfortable are emotions most of us have experienced, however, when some people receive praise, recognition or acknowledgment can activate their inner protector, that says “you are not worthy of this.”
Principle 5: Truthful Acknowledgment Creates Profound Impact! (1)
Experience the profound impact of sincere acknowledgment today!
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify someone deserving of acknowledgment for their work or qualities.
Step 2: Offer truthful, heartfelt praise without hesitation.
Step 3: Overcome obstacles like fear or embarrassment for you and your recipient to enjoy the tremendous rewards.
Neurodiverse Team Insight:
Worthiness is one of the feelings that comes up in receiving acknowledgment. It can sometimes show up, for example, when you share with a team member that you appreciate how quickly they stepped in to support another team member when they were working through a tough problem. That person may simply nod their head, may not say “thank you” or may look embarrassed and quickly leave the room.
This can sometimes happen when someone is uncomfortable receiving acknowledgment for a variety of inner reasons. This ISN’T your sign to stop sharing your acknowledgment, it IS your sign to experiment in ways that allows that person to know they can trust you are being truthful by continuing to extend acknowledgment consistently and freely. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference.
References
1 Adapted from: The Power of Acknowledgment, by Judith W. Umlas, International Institute for Learning, copyright 2006.
Part 6
Enhance your emotional and physical health today with acknowledgment!
Principle 6: Acknowledgment Boosts Well-Being! (2)
Here's your plan:
Step 1: Identify someone to acknowledge for their positive impact on your life.
Step 2: Express gratitude or acknowledge their contributions sincerely.
Step 3: Observe how acknowledgment positively influences your well-being.
Neurodiverse Team Insights:
Burnout rates have surged to unprecedented levels globally, even surpassing those observed during the pandemic. In the most recent data from my 3-year global burnout study, data collected from January to February 2024, I have noticed a troubling trend: more individuals are taking my Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz.
Moreover, there has been a significant uptick in individuals scoring at the highest level of burnout, Ghost Pepper Level 5, as well as a concerning rise in those at the lowest level, Poblano Pepper Level 1. This recent data shows a 7.7% increase in Level 5 cases and a notable 5% rise in individuals previously unaffected by burnout, now experiencing Level 1 burnout.
How this impacts your team and you:
Intense burnout reduces cognitive load, affecting how many things a person can process, think about, and remember. It also impacts emotional regulation, leading to more team conflicts, and disrupts their ability to plan and execute steps accordingly.
References
2 Adapted from: The Power of Acknowledgment, by Judith W. Umlas, International Institute for Learning, copyright 2006.
Part 7
In burnout, communication is disrupted and not always at its best. Burned Out communication creates misunderstandings, conflict, and blocks reaching deadlines and goals. So how can you as the leader use communication to de-escalate conflicts and miscommunication while bringing in energy to help guide your team to project success? Join me today to learn how.
Principle 7: Expand Your Acknowledgment Repertoire! (3)
Diversify your acknowledgment techniques today for maximum impact!
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Explore different methods to reach out and acknowledge the people in your life.
Step 2: Tailor your acknowledgment approach to suit each situation and individual.
Step 3: Build an acknowledgment repertoire that resonates deeply with others.
Neurodiverse Teams Insights
There are four primary styles of communication: Solver, Captivator, Listener and Factor. We each have a unique communication style for interacting with others and a preferred style for receiving information.
In the Neurodiverse Communication EcoSystem, Dr. Ali Arena-Perkinson and I looked at how communication styles directly impact team performance. Those same styles apply in The Principles of Acknowledgment, the behavioral change model created by Judith W. Umlas.
To enhance your acknowledgment skills, first identify your own communication styles. Then, learn your team members communication styles to share acknowledgment with them in their preferred way.
Communication Reflection Questions
Are you action-oriented giving the solutions to problems in a direct manner?
Are you understanding and thoughtful, delivering information with humor?
Are you more cautious and spend more time listening than speaking?
Are you more of a question asker seeking to gather all the data and want to get to the point of a conversation quickly?
References
3 Adapted from: The Power of Acknowledgment, by Judith W. Umlas, International Institute for Learning, copyright 2006.
Carole Jean Whittington
Carole Jean Whittington, a wellness trailblazer, specializes in burnout research and restoration for neurodivergent and disabled adults. Her three-year global research led to the Whittington Burnout Inventory, offering comprehensive insight into burnout. As Chief Energy Officer of Whittington Well-Being, she pioneers methodologies that include areas outside the occupational burnout category. Her acclaimed talk show, Beyond Chronic Burnout, reaches 96 countries with over 550,000 listeners. Author of “Unleashing Sustainable Energy,” Carole Jean guides individuals in mastering energy with science-backed methods. Through The UnVeiling Method and Micro Recharge Lab, she fosters innovation and connection. Carole Jean aims to make burnout history with relentless passion and boundless spirit.
Visit Carole Jean’s social media links to learn more.
Website: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC73lo4QgCCkClj7sFm_mrZA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolejeanwhittington/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolejeanwhittington/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolejeanwhittington
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhittingtonWellBeing/
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Disclaimer: The ideas, views, and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Institute for Learning or any entities they represent
