I have talked about how critical relationships are in our lives.  We tend to think that relationships are a function of how much time we spend together.  That is only one way.

One of the most powerful relationship building tools we have is acknowledgement.  Yet, for the most part, we are stingy with or acknowledgements.  What would have us do that?

One, we have our eye on the spectacular, the home run, so to speak.  The consistent performance that we count on every day goes without attention.  You know the player on your team that brings it to the party day in and day out.

We also are not sure sometimes how our acknowledgement will be received.  Afer all, we wouldnt want to be embarrassed.  We sometimes think that people already know how we feel about them.  Big mistake.  How they know is when we tell them.  They will never mind getting confirmation of something they suspect anyway.

Another reason we can be reluctant is we have more attention on ourselves than anyone else.  We might be afraid we wont get credit for our efforts so much that we dont even notice other players on our team.  A quick word on credit.  The flip side is blame.  Be careful what you ask for.

As weak as we are at times in giving we are perhaps weaker at receiving.  We can be nervous, embarrassed or wondering if they are talking about someone standing behind us.  Maybe they see us bigger than we see ourselves.

Acknowledgement is a gift.  Accept the gift with open arms.  A simple thank you will get the job done.  No œshucks I got lucky or œit wasnt that big a deal.  Accept the gift.

A tip about giving an acknowledgement to anyone.  Speak in first person.  That means saying you rather than saying their name.  You are not giving a eulogy.  People are notorious for acknowledging someone to a third party while the subject is standing right there.

One of the opportunities that coaches miss on a regular basis is an outstanding performance in a losing effort.  It is easy to miss because a loss clouds our view.  Someone could play as well as they ever have and receive nothing for it because we failed to win.

You do not even have to know someone to acknowledge them.  You just need anything in their background to relate to.  They are a parent or a husband or a wife.  They are in a particular line of work or have a certain set of experiences.

Thank yous are acknowledgements.  Wanting to steal a talent they have or congratulating them on some landmark in their life (birthday, anniversary, etc) is worthy.

Last and certainly not least …  do not leave out your family.  Mom, dad, brothers, sisters, grandparents, etc.  One of the greatest acknowledgements of all is simply, œI love you.  Oh, and it is okay to throw your players into the mix.