Last week I was hugely honoured to deliver a motivational speech to a number of inspirational business owners. They were all franchise holders of a theatre school brand, and had been performers before buying the franchise, and were passionate about the performing arts and the impact their Saturday schools make on the students and their parents.

This was a great opportunity to acknowledge their work – and passion, and how they are changing talented children’s lives; particularly since school funding is resulting in many children not having music or drama lessons. But also, those children who might not be the best in the class, but whose highlight of the week, is Theatre School on Saturdays.

The fact is that we don’t know what is happening ‘Backstage’ or in other areas of these students’ lives. We don’t know if this is the only place they feel safe because they are constantly bullied at school. Or that there has been a family tragedy; stress at  home, or the family not being able to afford the fees without sacrificing other commitments.

Also, an activity like this is the whole “Journey” process; there are students who are naturally gifted; dazzling in the front row of any performance, and those who are also participating, but who are not noticed as much. They are still part of the group but don’t naturally stand out – at the moment.

So what would happen if you decided to say something wonderful to everyone, not just a few people?

It is almost more difficult to find something lovely to someone who is less visible: someone that is “Good old Susan” rather than the jazzy hand star at the front, who is taking all the recognition for a show. Yet noticing and acknowledging them makes a huge impact on their self esteem. It could be the comment that gives them the confidence to move forward with their own dreams. And their parents would feel valued too.

How often do we fail to acknowledge all of the team individually; it is easy to remember some team members – perhaps those who have been face to face with a client, yet there are the ‘back room’ individuals who have also been part of the process. What a difference this would make if they were publicly acknowledged for their work.

So next time you have a meeting; a post-project get together or review, ensure you make a note to mention everyone individually rather than ‘The back room girls’. It will change the way they work and how they value themselves.

If you would like more information on my work, please contact me. If you want to receive my 5 top tips to being a great communicator, grab your copy here.