The hidden power of acknowledgement
In my entire life, I got used to not receiving acknowledgement from my father. In early adolescence, I was desperately craving a time when he would look me in the eyes and say:
“I’m proud of you, son.”
“I acknowledge what you’ve achieved.”
“You have my full support—I’ve got your back.”
But I never heard those words.
Because of that, I had no idea how to truly recognise or acknowledge someone else. I also didn’t know how to receive it. I was always brushing it off:
“Ahh, it’s nothing.”
“No big deal. It’s normal.”
It took me almost 30 years to understand the real importance of acknowledgement—how to give it and how to receive it.
Let me tell you a story of someone I worked with.
She was the most talented secretary and office manager I’ve ever known. She spoke four languages fluently, was consistently kind, a sharp listener, always two steps ahead. She astonished everyone with her excellence. And then one day, she left.
No one really knew why.
I was curious and asked her to meet. What she told me has stayed with me ever since:
She felt valueless. Average. Not needed. Not appreciated.
Her talents had become “normal”—and as a result, they were no longer seen or acknowledged.
She said that even a simple “thank you” or “we see you, and we appreciate you” would have been enough to make her stay. She would have given everything for that company.
The company never found anyone like her again.
Luckily, she found her place elsewhere—where her talents were recognised and honoured. She became employee of the year three times in a row.
That story changed how I think about acknowledgement.
How to GIVE acknowledgement:
Slow down the moment. Create space.
Emphasise that something meaningful is coming.
Name the specific time and action that triggered your recognition.
Explain the impact—what you felt and how it touched you.
Say a remarkable thank you. Make it land.
How to RECEIVE acknowledgement:
Slow down. Listen deeply.
Let it settle in. Don’t brush it off.
Leave space and silence—feel it.
Listen to your body. What do you feel? Where?
Share the feeling back with the other person.
Say thank you. Let them know it reached you.
Write it down. Remember it.
Long-term impact of acknowledgement:
When we regularly acknowledge others:
It builds deep trust and loyalty.
It raises self-worth and motivation.
It helps people feel seen, safe, and significant.
It turns ordinary relationships into extraordinary ones.
When we neglect to acknowledge:
Talented people may silently disengage—or leave.
Resentment and burnout slowly build up.
Performance drops, and people feel invisible.
Relationships suffer from emotional distance.
Start making an impact now!
When was the last time you acknowledged someone?
How did you do it?
And did they receive it?
If you have the chance, be generous from tomorrow:
Use every opportunity to acknowledge someone who truly deserves it. It might change everything.
Laszlo
