The power of appreciation: Mike Robbins at TEDxBellevue

Mike Robbins (www.Mike-Robbins.com) is the author of two books, Focus on the Good Stuff, and Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken, as well as the forthcoming book Nothing Changes Until You Do. He's an expert in teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence who delivers inspirational keynote addresses to audiences throughout the world. His clients include Google, Wells Fargo, Twitter, Gap, Adobe, the US Department of Labor, Stanford University, the San Francisco Giants, and many others. In this heartwarming, humorous, and thought-provoking talk at TEDxBellevue, Mike talks about "The Power of Appreciation." As Mike discusses, there is an important distinction between "recognition" and "appreciation." Leaders, teams, organizations, and individuals who understand this distinction can have much more impact, meaning, and productivity in their lives and with the people around them. He also discusses some important research in the field of positive psychology that exemplifies the importance of appreciation.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@josiemartaine4743]

That's right. If you don't feel appreciated you won't work at your full capacity. Even money won't fix a situation like that

[@shystrshystr]

I don't think people realise just how important is to be aware enough to recognise the trials and suffering someone can endure - appreciating some one's journey is how we create more empathy.

[@alexBBmichaels]

this is rad Shawn, awesome views here.

[@jimwebbjr]

Empathy is something I'm just starting to understand.

[@xavierdistaple8620]

I have had so many jobs where I have run myself into the ground for them yet it was never enough. One time, they decided to show me their gratitude by giving me a $50 voucher….sweet, yup, that didn’t even come close to the overtime I had given to them that day alone. I didn’t need a gift voucher, I wanted to feel that my hard work had been important and appreciated. They was the moment I stopped doing any over time and started drawing boundaries. Suddenly they were very interested in my well-being because I wasn’t doing all the work they had come to just expect for free.

[@michael-rivera]

Thats my life too!

[@brianlkeithbk]

Creating boundaries was the best move ever. It probably saved your sanity, maybe your life, and possibly got you a promotion. Thanks for your words.

[@shannonnikita]

People connecting with people. It is such common sense yet we keep missing the mark on this and focusing on accomplishments and successes. Being understood and heard as a human being rather than your results is empowering.

[@zoezanders]

and liberating!

[@oscarnotreallyawiener]

Good link to send Shannon, thanks for the share.

[@bigthinking1715]

Saw this in group too Shannon, very cool.

[@zoezanders]

@@bigthinking1715 it is isnt it?

[@jackcryner]

How quickly we forget about common sense though

[@justinberdand]

I think an inability to appreciate others comes from insecurity. If someone is doing well, it feels as if you are not doing well enough, or if they make a mistake despite their efforts, it can validate and made you feel like you are right and ‘better’. Someone who is secure in themselves has no fear, experiences no loss and actually greatly benefits from others succeeding and being their wonderful selves.

[@annemery885]

The care factor is so important, not just in business relationships but all. When we appreciate, respect and understand, it sets us up for much more fulfilling connections

[@linuspears]

Couldn't agree more - anytime I have felt or seen genuine care from a person it has allowed me to put trust and faith into the person, which is rare

[@jovitasardens207]

Noticing the past few years that it is becoming trendy to be kind and care again, which is nice to see

[@mikedrawley]

To appreciate, is to respect. Regardless of class, circumstance and the like.

[@edolieshars]

So many of us think and feel kind things towards people but never say anything. Listening to Mike's talk I realise that so much of why we aren't being more supportive of one another is not knowing how to articulate half the time.

[@saleisalovic]

Thats true we do!

[@averyrothschild]

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius

[@egyptianqueen4007]

I love that quote

[@immayasass]

This talk was given 9 years ago but is still so f*&!ing relevant.

[@izayahmayson]

I wish ppl could be this kind and understanding in day to day life but it's just so hard

[@merlemackenzie]

Appreciation can carry a whole team as far as I am concerned.

[@colbyjames4843]

Appreciation is a feeling., The trick is to tell people as you think and feel it.

[@the-coffee-lover]

Society focuses so much on what we haven’t got and struggling to get more. SO rarely do we stop and appreciate what we actually have and what we have achieved. We need to learn to appreciate ourselves more often!

[@jorgeestoban]

And appreciate others and their struggles, also very important.

[@-attemptingtherandom-2777]

The more you appreciate the more you see Love in you life and the more you can give Love away to others.

[@awakenthegreatnesswithin]

Yes

[@dancingshade5344]

I am an engineer. I focus almost all of my time on climbing the corporate ladder and I have made it very high up and now I can finally life without worry of finances. I realize that I am fortunate to be where I am. After watching this I realized that I have always brushed off my accomplishments and any gratitude given to me. Always thinking, "this accomplishment doesn't deserve recognition" and "I could have done better" and just focused on climbing the next step of the ladder. Though I have always celebrated the accomplishments of others, I now think it's appropriate for me to celebrate myself also.

[@12100myts]

So sad that not many managers use appreciation. It can motivate people to work, give their all, feel valued and be helpful to the company everyday.

[@Steven-Francis]

I am hoping those managers are becoming a thing of the past!

[@gastonedupriese]

Appreciation. Such a tremendous word, but often is forgotten...

[@IHaveDenverSoul]

I couldn't agree more about appreciating something while it's happening.

[@sammypdennison]

This is so needed right now at the end (we hope) of this terrible Pandemic!

[@madisongrace9146]

yes, thanks for the send

[@ehsaankumer]

Grass is always greener though. Often at the end of an experience we remember it with rose colored glasses. Live in the moment, accept the past.

[@charlottewebbnotthebook]

I predict that Mike will be at the forefront of ensuring morale within huge companies is kept high and that works are actually treated as people

[@Chelsea-Chelsea]

Char

[@Me-lolahernandez]

@@Chelsea-Chelsea I hope ya'll showed him this clip!

[@mylescolton]

When I feel appreciated it always lifts me up.

[@yuvallove]

Terrific send Myles!

[@mylescolton]

@@yuvallove ☺️ 😊

[@yuvallove]

@@mylescolton 👍👍

[@maddoxreynolds]

I thoroughly believe this should be at the forefront of all relationships - work, family, neighbours. If we just appreciated each other a little more, appreciated the differences in journey and skill, we would all get a lot more out of life.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thank you! Yes, a little bit of appreciation goes a long way.

[@the-organic-way]

Saying please and thank you and verbalizing is so important!

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Indeed

[@jason-childers]

The arm blow out story happened really early in this talk. This is how I knew it was going top be a good one

[@halinatomczyk1714]

The things he talks about around 7:30 are an especially important part of this! It's easy to appreciate someone when they're doing well but letting them know they're still important and valued when they aren't performing at their best is way more difficult.

[@mohamedsamater8261]

Great talk. I thought he was going to say his mom passed away before his story was published and to appreciate people while they are with us.

[@katiaromanow]

10:20 To appreciate doesn’t mean to like, agree with or lets be friends. It is about seeing the value of what a person offers. This is a lesson I am still learning, to appreciate and value someone even if I personally don’t bond with them.

[@therealjuanschmidt]

This is a man sharing his experience so we don’t have to live through it to learn the lesson. Much appreciated.

[@chantalbrovic]

the whole world needs to see this

[@edingutenberg9797]

Recognition is also important, but not that important. Without appreciation, we don't need recognition.

[@jason-childers]

recognising and appreciating come hand in hand i reckon

[@theheadzombie]

“I could have used some appreciation, not for what I had done, but for who I am” This hit me hard.

[@thisdidnotfkinghelpatall]

Appreciation and gratitude puts many things in perspective.

[@kylelramsay]

"Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got till it’s gone"

[@mycrazylifeismine]

Scheduling in appreciation might seem a little disingenuous at first, but even the effort to Scheduling in the reminder is an act of kindness. I like this.

[@billyzwilliams]

I can't imagine how difficult it would be to refocus your purpose after literally dedicating your whole life to doing that one thing that you now can't.

[@julestempest]

This is important in every aspect of life!

[@danabailey3887]

Appreciation has an amazing influence on people. That's for sure.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Yes indeed, it does!

[@jeffgoldygold]

When we can stop to appreciate the small things, the big things and just each other - life seems to have a much natural flow and it's a lot easier to cope.

[@danabailey3887]

@@jeffgoldygold yes true!

[@danabailey3887]

@@mikerobbinsvideo 👍

[@thegreatemilianosantiago]

I appreciate appreciation!

[@elainaarenz]

He's definitely right about how we often don't appreciate the things we have while we have them. Such a shame that we take things for granted so quickly.

[@elaineclouston]

So many athletes must go through this in some capacity. You don’t just cruise your way through to retirement in sports, you gotta perform.

[@nothx3299]

I think expressing appreciation for a person is also really important because it means they're never going to feel like you're taking them for granted.

[@samanthakatzalay]

Award nights like those ones are mostly just for show! Look at us, we appreciate our employees, we do that, we can tick that box. 1:1 appreciation from an employer means so much more.

[@henryichu]

Yeah that money would be better spent elsewhere...

[@sherylrinkler]

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. We all need them, we all want them. Recognition in reality is far more over rated than appreciation is ever verbalized or embraced.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Indeed!

[@pierrevilleneu]

Yes, this is a great insight. Thank you

[@alice-jayne]

Such a simple thing that offers such fulfillment for people!

[@rubyguil4622]

When there's appreciation there is understanding and respect and these are things that really help in every day life.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Indeed

[@gabrielawolf3681]

I just needed to hear that showing appreciation is not a thing I personally grave but something that is good management practice if not just a great way to be with another human being. Because I don't receive it doesn't mean that it is not valuable. I will apply it to my life wherever it makes sense. Thank you for this wonderful talk.

[@berdinaguest]

I had no idea that an appreciation can influence people that much

[@g8m8]

And that's another thing wrong with our world

[@farahjuniper9214]

I am a manager and I have about 50 people I have to manage. This talk gave me the insight that I had I forgotten how important appreciation is. I forget that when I graduated from university and started my first job. I had a manager who came to me, patted me on the back and said that he believes in me. I still remember that moment.

[@thipparatchuri-nagrusk]

Similar experience here, a manager I had from 20 years ago is still why I think kindness and guidance are the best tools when managing people. I'll forever appreciate that.

[@pagetderosier5267]

Lots of heart in this talk.

[@ekimoduarte]

I love positive reinforcement and appreciation. I am such a more relaxed person when I know my energy and effort is going un-noticed.

[@billy-martin]

I think vulnerability is one of those tricky things that deals in degrees, like yes it's good to be vulnerable to a certain extent, but it's impossible to know how that will be received, especially behind closed doors

[@sophiawalters6908]

I have had many jobs where I was given little gifts, like gift cards or something after I had done some significant work. Usually the gift was minuscule in comparison to the work and effort I had given, it was symbolic and felt like a strategic move on the part of the company to keep me calm and keep me giving more than what my job description entailed. It was only recognition, I never felt appreciated by my management, it was never acknowledged that I had given so much of myself and my time. That was the elephant in the room because the minute they appreciated me it means they were admitting they had asked too much.

[@joedoe5938]

I always remember how appreciation is important. It helps me in my private life as well as in my career. If you show your appreciation people usually shows it back!

[@thegreatemilianosantiago]

takes a lot of the discomfort out of life being appreciative.

[@gemmaatterks]

Not an athlete, but it is so common to see people who have dedicated themselves to their sport and peak in their careers will fall into deep depressions once they have to leave the sport due to age or injury. Always have to be looking forward and appreciating life in the now, you don’t know when it will end.

[@alionafrunza5838]

Always looking for a lesson to grow.

[@carolinechery]

I could not agree more with this talk, expressing appreciation for a thing kind of allows you to experience it on a whole other, deeper level.

[@aylamorris]

YES! and gratitude which I guess is the same thing in ways.

[@dianalorenaarevalosuarez]

This gave me a burst of hope for humanity that I've been lacking recently.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

That is nice to hear!

[@thiagodornelas131]

Hahahah! I always compliment back; it is so hard to not deflect!

[@percyd1727]

Saving. Sharing. This is a good one.

[@blaisedominique]

I try to teach my children that when their teachers or friends do kind things for them, to always tell them thank you and why they are thankful. I believe appreciation is such an important part of ability to make long last connections and learn all that we can from each other.

[@ermacohen]

I love to hear that, you are teaching them well

[@MiguelHernandez-ow5wg]

This changed my life

[@valteradnan]

I appreciate, appreciation!

[@floridaman6982]

Before seeing this i made a “people” list. Based on who has given me the best memories and care since I was young and even recently... I’m going to make sure I show them I appreciate them and what they have given me. I feel like I’ve been so worried about myself and achievements, this the piece of life I am missing.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

That is great...reaching out to let those people know you appreciate them will make their day

[@maddoxreynolds]

I've actually thought of doing this myself!

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

@@maddoxreynolds - sounds like a simple yet powerful thing to do. Have fun.

[@pierrevilleneu]

Maybe even the people who aren't high on that list could use that appreciation too, spread it further

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

@@pierrevilleneu - that is also true...everyone wants and deserves to be appreciated.

[@ezekielaliss]

I like this a lot, it wasn't all rah rah like other motivational speakers. It had guts and usable stuff in it. Great talk Mike!

[@amelia-cairns]

Same! He is great!

[@IamLegoMan]

An important message for people in leadership roles and who want to make a real difference in their work

[@mikmiklabastera5296]

i cried 😭😭 this is awesome thank you for inspiring us

[@jacey-morgan]

I love the distinction he makes between recognition and appreciation! They are definitely two very different things.

[@kanejsloane]

I really love this guys story and demeanor. It would have been so easy for him to get wrapped up in the defeat of his injury and become a miserable person. The fact that he's done the opposite is such a great display of resilience!

[@suehawke]

So many times I have come to the end of an experience and realised that I didn’t enjoy the time I had and take it all in while I could. Moments are fleeting and this is a painful truth of being human.

[@ben-basi]

I'll share this video all around my HR department, very useful, thanks! Or I'll get fired!

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thanks for sharing this! I hope you don't get fired :-)

[@merlemackenzie]

far out. it really says something that we live in this fear of our employers that we literally can't share or look to solve problems without fear of retaliation. what mike is so important in order for us to move forward, thrive instead of survive.

[@verymarysalisbury]

Do I truly matter? That's a question I ask myself so often.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Yes...you do!

[@eliseseveniegn]

Well, none of us actually matter. We're probably just a simulation - BUT - you matter to someone, you make someone's existence better, even if you don't realise it. That's a positive that needs adding to the collective I believe.

[@slavacroates]

eh look at us seeing the importance in basics again! heck yes!

[@sreelakshmirao7775]

every word you said..is so true

[@Me-lolahernandez]

Amazing things happen on a team or in a relationship when all parties involved feel appreciated, heard, respected. I want to read Mike's books! I think this perspective is so important as we so much dis-ease everywhere, from home, work.... All of it.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thanks for watching the video Lola and your interest in my work. Yes, appreciation creates amazing things.

[@pamcampbell3920]

hence the title i suppose, there is serious power in appreciation

[@wandamccauley]

The power of appreciation and gratitude is immense. The only problem is that I keep forgetting about it, then when I bring it back into my life I am amazed all over again. Thank you for this reminder- I found this video at the perfect time

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

You are welcome. Yes...appreciation is so powerful, and simple to practice (when we remember)

[@carllokit]

I have spent most of my life looking ahead. This talk makes it so clear that real life is here and now. Thanks Mike!

[@anupmukherjee6716]

You are amazing Mike. Lovely way of story telling. Positivity all around. Thats the power of appreciation. Love it.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thank you very much!

[@ameyhousten]

Important taok at a really important time for me. I love TED talks I always seem to hear what I need. Maybe I am appreciating this!

[@iamthefootyfan]

Appreciation can lead to so many good things. Appreciating someone's experience, their drive, their story, their journey, their abilities or their weaknesses. I was stoked to see this come up on suggested video. Mike is on point. I mean, what he had to go through to get there is pretty unfortunate but it's funny that when we think we are at our lowest, it's when we find our purpose. Excellent topic, excellent speaker.

[@calvinhostetler]

The difference between recognition and appreciation was a great insight. I had never really thought about that before. And I felt it viscerally- I can remember times in my past where I have been recognised for my work and how ‘functional’ it felt, versus feeling truly appreciated.

[@winnipooh3212]

Mike, you are onto something here! This would be a great talk for schools and work places.

[@johnathanbrayton]

A friend sent me this, really nice surprise, great talk. Well done Mike?

[@6misslyss]

This is being shared right away. Especially as we are coming out of the hardest time for most of us, or still in it. We need to appreciate more!

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thanks so much! Yes...so important for us to appreciate, especially right now.

[@thesebrokendreams]

I was all on board till he said ‘start accepting compliments more graciously’…I do not know how to do this! I always just toss it back to the person- ‘oh no, YOU are amazing and so much better than this small thing I did’. I just can’t take a compliment

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

I hear you...this is so common and understandable. And, if you start receiving compliments for graciously, even if it is hard, you will both get more of them and empower the people around you.

[@candicetriley]

I have seen another one of Mike's talk and I have to say, after coming across this one I cannot WAIT to read his books. Definitely starting with the Be Yourself one.

[@emilmalthe9861]

Thank you for sending this to me

[@mystermix]

He's a brilliant man!

[@unconditional618]

Loved it. Tears in my eyes... Thank you for this meaningful talk and video. 🙏 ❤️

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

You are welcome! Thanks for your kind words

[@regina-reda]

What a journey and what a message. I appreciate this and appreciate we are becoming kinder and more considerate beings.

[@sadiaykor]

and I appreciate you sending this!

[@IAmTheRealMagicMan]

I appreciate this talk! 😀 😃 😄 😁

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thank you :-)

[@malachijude]

I wish my boss knew this word... Appreciation

[@suebakernottly]

are they deaf?

[@arnafieldsteen]

We were literally have a team building day last week and discussing how we could all tackle burn out and one of the things was through transparency! I can't wait to show my boss this!! Thank you!

[@evie-c]

I appreciate this man so very much. What a great POV

[@commercialrealestatebroker7435]

Mike you're the best man.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thank you very much

[@TaherNagati]

One of the best TED talks, you sir are a genius at giving speech. Big respect. :)

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thank you very much

[@majorburns4550]

Incredible tools here! so good

[@haganbenson]

His hand movements really add to the experience.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thank you very much :-)

[@jovitasardens207]

“Appreciation is an excellent thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us, as well.” - Voltaire

[@charlottewebbnotthebook]

Jo, I love this

[@Steven-Francis]

perfect quote!

[@the-organic-way]

true Jovita

[@janetsplace1953]

So true!

[@luisbrezer]

What a fantastic message. Needed for everyone, not just those in business!

[@gracezhou7906]

That's fantastic speech!!! Deserve our time to listen it again and again!!! Appreicate your sharing!!!

[@stoicpeacewarrior4174]

I appreciate you grace!

[@pamcampbell3920]

A splendid talk to come across. Especially atm where a lot of my city is starting to have to go back to work and deal with each other face to face. Oh joy.

[@mikerobbinsvideo]

Thank you very much!