Leadership, Beauty, And The Fire Within
Why appreciation is your fuel
Leadership advice often feels like a rehashed self-help stew.
The usual suspects are there — “find your purpose,” “follow your passion,” “build your tribe.”
They’re not terrible, but let’s face it, these phrases start to lose their flavor quicker than a day-old croissant.
I propose a different ingredient altogether, a touch more elusive, yet ultimately more satisfying: appreciation. Not the half-baked, “nice painting, kid” kind. I’m talking about deep, full-bodied appreciation that recognizes and emotionally connects with the beauty and excellence around us.
Wait, ‘Appreciation’? Isn’t That a Little Soft for Leadership?
Before you roll your eyes and reach for your tactical battle plans, hear me out. The most effective leaders aren’t just taskmasters or inspirational gurus. They’re curators — individuals who can recognize and cultivate beauty and brilliance in unexpected places.
Think of it like this: Imagine yourself as a master chef leading a team to create an unforgettable feast. Does it work if you’re focused only on the process, ignoring the flavor combinations, the artful presentation, and the exquisite quality of the ingredients themselves? Of course not. Leadership, like cooking, is part rigorous practice and part artistic expression. Appreciation is what ties these two together.
What Does Appreciation Even Mean?
Let’s get on the same page about this ‘appreciation’ thing. It’s not about being a Pollyanna, walking around with a perpetual smile. It goes deeper than that. Here’s my definition:
Appreciation is a compound feeling. It includes a sense of wonder and awe, a dash of humility, and a deep respect for the thing — or the person — you’re appreciating.
Appreciation demands attention. It means slowing down enough to notice the nuances, the intricacies, and the parts that make the whole so damn compelling.
Appreciation is active. It’s not passive observation. It’s engagement, a dialogue between you and the object of your attention.
But I’m a Leader, Not an Art Critic
Here’s the thing — beauty and excellence aren’t confined to museums or concert halls. They’re everywhere, especially in your workplace. Let’s break it down:
Beauty in the System: Is there elegance in the way a particular process flows? Do you admire the way a new product embodies your customer’s unspoken needs? That’s a form of beauty.
Beauty in People: We talk about talent and skill all the time. Yet, do you truly appreciate the unique genius of each team member? Can you see the beauty in their perspective, their approach, even in their quirky work habits?
Excellence in Effort: A perfectly executed plan is impressive, no doubt. But is there a hidden layer of excellence in the struggle, the grit behind the scenes? Recognizing that is next-level appreciation.
Fine, But What’s in It for Me as a Leader?
I’ll tell you what’s in it: Motivation. But not the cheesy, motivational-poster kind. I’m talking about the deeply satisfying, soul-level fire that keeps you excited to get out of bed in the morning. Appreciation fuels that in a surprising number of ways:
The Neuroscience of ‘Oooh’: Turns out, experiencing beauty and excellence lights up our brain’s reward system. Dopamine floods in, the same feel-good chemical associated with love, accomplishment, and yes, even chocolate. That’s an addictive motivator, and far more elegant than another espresso shot.
Inspiration is Highly Contagious When you genuinely appreciate others, something magical happens — they start to appreciate themselves more. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more inspiring than a team who sees their own worth.
Humility Check: Truly appreciating something outside yourself has a way of recalibrating your ego. It puts your problems in perspective, reignites your sense of purpose, and counteracts that creeping cynicism so many leaders fall prey to.
Ready to Give Appreciation a Try? Start Here:
Like any skill, appreciation takes practice. But I promise, even small shifts yield big results. Here’s where to begin:
Be a Sensory Detective: Throughout your workday, tune into the little things. The texture of a well-crafted presentation deck, the rhythm of a focused team conversation, and the satisfying ‘click’ when a problem finds a solution. Notice them, savor them.
The ‘What If?’ Game: Challenge yourself to see the potential in people and situations. Ask those open-ended “what if?” questions. Example: “What if we looked at this budget constraint not as a burden, but as a creative challenge for efficiency?”
Turn Feedback Into Appreciation: Instead of just offering critique, find the kernel of excellence. A slightly muddled report might contain brilliant insights struggling to get out. Highlight those, and you’ll motivate revision far more effectively than red-ink corrections.
Steal Like an Artist: Leaders should be shameless about admiring good work, even outside their industry. See a breathtaking design campaign? A seamless customer service experience? Break down what makes it tick, and see how you can adapt that to your own context.
Ditch the Cynicism: It’s easy to snipe at flaws, to play the jaded critic. It takes way more guts (and ultimately, yields more power) to articulate what’s right about something, even if it’s still rough around the edges.
Making Appreciation a Leadership Habit
Let’s not pretend this is easy. In our hyper-paced, outcome-obsessed world, taking a moment to savor beauty can feel downright subversive. Here’s how to make this mindset stick:
Build It In: Schedule literal “appreciation breaks” during your day. Five minutes to step outside, admire the architecture on your block, or listen to a piece of music that moves you.
Share the Wealth: Don’t keep your observations to yourself! Make a habit of voicing your genuine appreciation for others. Write a quick note, toss out a specific compliment in a meeting. It spreads like wildfire.
The Gratitude Experiment: Every week, take note of three things in your work that you find genuinely beautiful or excellent. It could be a team member’s perseverance, a client’s elegantly expressed feedback — whatever catches your eye. Reflect on these at the end of the week. You’ll build your appreciation muscle fast.
One Last Thing: Appreciate Yourself
Yes, leaders need to appreciate their teams. But don’t forget to turn that lens inward. Notice your own growth, the small victories, the times you navigated difficulty with grace.
Some call this self-love, but I think this kind of appreciation is far more potent. It’s about respecting your own unique fire, the kind that fuels everything you want to build in this world. It’s that kind of appreciation that makes you truly unstoppable.
The world needs more leaders who care about craft, who inspire through genuine awe, and who can see potential where others see only problems. Appreciation isn’t a soft skill, it’s the bedrock of a leadership style that ignites transformation, not just transactions.