The power of acknowledgement
“I see you. You are valued and appreciated.”
I had been meeting with another leader regarding some volunteer work that I do. We spent some time catching up, then refining our plans for a project that would make it easier for members of our community to contribute their gifts with less reliance on someone to shepherd the process.
After we had aligned on our path forward, she shared these words with me.
“I see you. You are valued and appreciated.”
Wow. I was moved. Receiving the gift of being seen, acknowledged for who I was, was powerful.
Have you experienced the power of being acknowledged?
We all want to feel seen. Valued and appreciated because of who we are, not for a thing we can do for others. Cherished just for being us.
And yet, we so often fail to acknowledge this in others.
Sometimes it’s because it makes us uncomfortable, or because we put pressure on ourselves to do it “perfectly”. Or maybe we’re just busy, or can’t find “the right moment.”
Sure, we say thank you a lot, and often we really mean it, too. We share the impact that someone else has had on us, and that can be quite special.
But acknowledgement of who we ARE, not what we DO, is next level powerful.
Is there someone in your life that you want to honor in this way? Try this:
Consider how you describe them when they’re not in the room
What do you share about this person when they’re not present? Is it their ability to light up a room with a smile, their continuously optimistic attitude, their persistence in the face of adversity?
Make it about them
It’s easy for an acknowledgement to go awry when we make it all about us. Instead, reframe your comments to be all about the person in front of you. Rather than sharing that their cookie recipe reminds you of your grandmother, perhaps you can appreciate that they show love through cooking. Maybe instead of telling them they made the right decision you can acknowledge them for the way they follow their inner wisdom.
Just do it
If there’s someone you want to acknowledge, don’t let getting it “right” get in the way. Telling someone that they’re loved and valued for who they are, even without perfectly crafted specifics, can be powerful.
Who do you want to acknowledge?
Will you let me know how you felt to share that with them?
March 12, 2026
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
