The Art of Applause at Work

The love of applause is intrinsic to most performers. There is nothing more validating than that noisy sense of appreciation following the accomplishment of something. Relishing the recognition of a job well done doesn’t make us selfish, it makes us human! Even the most introverted person likes to feel not only a sense of completeness after doing something special, but also that others have responded in a positive way.

Applause, or any public recognition of achievement, is as important in a business setting as in a creative one. The opportunity to celebrate each other’s accomplishments with real or symbolic applause is a way of exerting the important values of respect and gratitude in the workplace. We can find many ways to support our peers by expressing our appreciation directly to them for something they have done or by letting their manager know when they have gone above and beyond. Even taking a moment to validate a new idea that has been shared is a way to celebrate new ideas and initiative.