The Power of Appreciation: What I Learned from the Super-Trooper Award
During the summer of 1993, just after my freshman year of college, I served as a camp counselor in Northern Michigan.
It was a great summer. I was serving God, doing ministry with about 50 other college students, and investing in junior high and senior high campers. Like most camp summers, it was full of energy, late nights, laughter, hard conversations, and moments where you realized God was doing more than you could see.
But one of the most memorable moments from that summer came on a Saturday morning.
Each week, after the campers left to go home, the staff gathered to process the week. We would talk through what happened, what went well, what needed attention, and how we could prepare for the next group of students.
On one particular Saturday, I received the Super-Trooper Award.
From what I remember, I was recognized for simply doing my job. Nothing flashy. Nothing dramatic. I had cared for a camper even when it was not easy or convenient.
But I still remember how it felt.
I felt noticed.
I felt appreciated.
I felt encouraged.
I felt ready to serve with excellence again.
That simple recognition gave me energy for the week ahead.
The Power of Appreciation
The older I get, the more I realize how powerful appreciation really is.
People need to know their effort matters. They need to know someone sees them. They need to know their faithfulness, sacrifice, and hard work are not invisible.
This is true in leadership.
It is true in marriage.
It is true in parenting.
It is true in friendships.
It is true in the workplace.
A simple “thank you” can carry more weight than we realize. Appreciation does not have to be complicated. It just needs to be genuine.
When people feel appreciated, they are often more motivated, more connected, and more willing to keep showing up with excellence. Appreciation helps create trust and emotional safety. It reminds people that they are not just being used for what they produce; they are valued for who they are and what they bring.
Appreciation in Leadership
Healthy leaders notice people.
They notice the team member who stays late to finish the job.
They notice the employee who keeps a good attitude during a difficult season.
They notice the volunteer who serves behind the scenes.
They notice the person who quietly carries responsibility without needing the spotlight.
Leaders who appreciate well create a culture where people feel seen and valued.
That kind of culture does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders intentionally speak life into people.
A strong leader does not only correct what is wrong. A strong leader also celebrates what is right.
Appreciation in Marriage
Appreciation is also essential in marriage.
Many couples slowly drift into noticing what is missing more than what is present. They notice the unfinished task, the frustrating habit, the difference in personality, or the thing that still needs to change.
But healthy marriages require more than correction. They require gratitude.
A husband needs to hear, “I see how hard you are working.”
A wife needs to hear, “Thank you for all the ways you care for our family.”
Both spouses need to know, “You matter to me. I see you. I appreciate you.”
Appreciation does not solve every marital issue, but it does soften the soil. It makes hard conversations easier because the relationship is not only filled with criticism or correction.
Appreciation in Parenting
Children also need appreciation.
Of course, children need correction, boundaries, and instruction. But they also need encouragement.
They need parents who notice effort, not just outcomes.
“That was kind of you.”
“I saw how hard you worked on that.”
“Thank you for helping without being asked.”
“I appreciate the way you handled that.”
Words like these help children build identity, confidence, and responsibility.
When we only notice what children do wrong, they can begin to believe they are the problem. But when we notice what they are doing right, we help them see the good they can continue to grow into.
Three Simple Ways to Show Appreciation
Here are a few practical ways to use the power of appreciation this week.
1. Send an Encouragement Card
Send a handwritten card to someone who is working hard behind the scenes.
It could be a spouse, child, coworker, employee, volunteer, pastor, teacher, or friend. Let them know you notice their effort and are thankful for them.
A card may only take five minutes to write, but it may encourage someone for weeks.
2. Make a Phone Call
Scroll through your contacts and call someone who has made a difference in your life.
Tell them specifically what you appreciate.
Do not just say, “Thanks for everything.” Be clear.
Say, “I appreciate the way you encouraged me during that hard season,” or “I am thankful for the way you lead with patience and humility.”
Specific appreciation has staying power.
3. Give Public Praise
When appropriate, recognize someone in front of others.
This could be a child at the dinner table, a spouse in front of the family, a coworker in a meeting, or a team member during a staff conversation.
Public praise can be powerful when it is sincere and specific.
The goal is not flattery. The goal is encouragement.
Who Needs Your Appreciation Today?
Take a minute and think about the people in your life.
Who needs a “thank you” today?
Who needs to hear, “I appreciate you, and I am thankful you are part of my life”?
Who needs a word of affirmation from you?
Who has been faithful, steady, helpful, kind, patient, or hardworking — but maybe unnoticed?
Do not wait too long.
Encouragement delayed is often encouragement missed.
Ready to Build a Healthier Culture?
The power of appreciation can change the tone of a home, marriage, workplace, or team. People flourish when they are seen, valued, and encouraged.
If you are a leader, spouse, parent, or business owner who wants to build healthier relationships and a stronger culture, coaching can help.
I work with individuals, couples, and leaders who want to grow in communication, ownership, encouragement, and relational health.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and take the next step toward healthier relationships and stronger leadership.
Terry & Jen Porter
About Terry Porter
Terry Porter is a life and leadership coach who helps individuals, couples, and leaders grow with clarity, ownership, healthy relationships, and purpose.
