Praise makes us feel like we have value. Rebuke makes us feel like we do not.

The sincerest “thank you” can be the most powerful phrase for our inner selves to hear. Perhaps even more so than “I love you”.

Appreciation operates at a different level altogether. It helps us recognise and accept our value – it is more impactful to our sense of self-worth and self-acceptance than any amount of praise.

Let’s encourage and educate with gratitude above all else. Let’s lead with appreciation before the carrot or the stick.