Okay… I don’t usually toot my own horn, but come on – If I don’t, then who is gonna do it?!?!

I have been doing a lot of spring cleaning these last few weeks, and while digging through my office closet last night I came across a series of employment letters of recommendations that were written for me throughout the years. I can’t lie, reading through those letters gave me a sense of pride that I haven’t felt in a long time. They reminded me that I can do anything I set my mind to, something I believe everyone needs to be told from time to time.

The following are just a few of the many quotes that really made me think about myself, my life, and the career path I have taken.

“Nina is, by far, the most responsible, reliable and thorough member of the support staff. I know that I can rely on her to oversee a job and complete it in a timely and exemplary manner…”

“She consistently does outstanding work without regard for whether or not she will receive credit for the achievements.”

“I believe that Nina’s organization, creativity and caring as well as her ability to learn quickly make her an excellent candidate for any job. Her eagerness to develop as a person, attend available training and to go beyond her normal job responsibilities have made her an excellent employee.”

“Nina is both a team player and an independent thinker and is highly self-directed.”

FINALLY… MY PERSONAL FAVORITE: 

“From the first day, she demonstrated all of the skills to master the position. From a technical perspective, her computer skills, problem solving approaches, and ability to manage multiple projects are very good. She has excellent organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize projects using sound business judgment. She is very reliable and if she says something will get done, it will get done. She is an excellent team player who is respected and valued by every person here. But, her most valuable characteristics are her intangible traits. From my perspective, these abilities are the hardest to find and the most important to get. Nina possesses the ability to handle difficult situations with a calm professional manner. Everyday she brings a positive attitude and a willingness to do anything necessary to help the team. She is conscientious and demonstrates the unique ability to be professional, enthusiastic, but also has fun at work. This is a difficult balance, but she does it very effectively.”

I believe that sometimes we need to take a step back and look at ourselves through someone else’s eyes. Do I believe that everyone sees me in these ways? No, but the fact of the matter is… I do strive for a strong work ethic and I do try to put my best foot forward to work as a team player and get the job done, no matter what that job might be, in the best possible way. Sometimes it is nice to know that those efforts aren’t going unnoticed. I guess that was why reading these letters really touched me… It is probably why I have kept them all these years.

All to often employers fail to show their employees the appreciation they deserve, until it is to late. If you are an employer… I challenge you to take time out each day to tell a handful of employees what they mean to you and to the success of the company. Let them know you appreciate them and their hard work.

That is all…