Things Engineers Like: Appreciation and Compliments
Appreciation and Compliments: two things that are not given out enough in this world. Sometimes they are just forgotten in the busy and fast lives people live; it's simply too easy to forget how important others can be in your life when they're always there for you. This is especially true for a majority of Generation Y and Generation Z (or iGeneration) since everything has been given to them and they seem to have more of a selfish attitude.
As I sat in a end of the year/contract meeting for the program I work on, I realized how under-appreciated my fellow employees have been. And in this case I'm sure it wasn't about the salary, it's about just receiving verbal appreciation and compliments. Everyone in the room put 40 hours a week on this program, most of them have been on the program for over 10 years, and all you could see were smiles in the room. A simple overview of the success of the program was gratification for everyone in the room; all their hard work paid off and the product was delivered. In my opinion, I should be seeing the smiles much more often and this can be done everyday by just showing recognition and gratefulness for their effort (Not just during the holidays).
I'm sure this isn't just a local problem; I often hear comments from friends and others about it too. I'm sure at this point you're saying, "Engineers make so much money, shouldn't that be enough appreciation? And engineers are often pompous and presumptuous, they don't need compliments." Well even if we seem boastful, we are people too (well, most of us...). We enjoy appreciation as much as the next person. But seriously, while it is the holiday season, we must remember to show thanks and gratitude to those around you regularly, not just during the holiday season. Life just wouldn't be as enjoyable without them. And no, holiday cards once a year aren't good enough.
As Cosmo said: "Good manners are the glue of society"
With that said, I want to thank you for (frequently) reading this blog, and thanks to my friends and family for being there for me. So as you live your life, remember to show appreciation and give compliments as often as you can; it may just make someone's day.