A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:

What makes you feel truly appreciated in your work? And have you ever thought about what makes your clients feel appreciated too?

Many of us are familiar with the idea of The 5 Love Languages, the different ways people give and receive care. But Gary Chapman and Paul White also wrote a workplace version: The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Instead of love languages, they talk about the ways people feel valued on the job.

 

Here are the five: (1) words of affirmation, (2) quality time, (3) acts of service, (4) tangible gifts, and (5) appropriate physical touch.
 

That last one doesn’t usually apply in our freelance, remote world, but the others show up in client relationships all the time:

My own primary appreciation language is quality time. I especially value clients who take a few minutes to explain how they like things done or who respond thoughtfully to questions. That focused attention helps me do my best work.

 

It can be helpful to think about clients this way. Some may never say “thank you,” but they send steady work, pay promptly, or refer you to others. Those are forms of appreciation too.

 

You might even want to learn your clients' appreciation language. Questions like these can reveal a lot:

This week, pay attention to how your clients show appreciation, and consider what makes you feel valued as well.

 

What’s your primary love or appreciation language? Reply and let me know. 🥰

Side note: Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, is part of the pastoral staff at a church in my area. I was only a few feet away from him at a family member's funeral a few years ago, but I was too nervous to introduce myself. I kind of wish I had.

Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently. Click the links below to read them.

In many English words that end in mb, the b is silent.

 

Examples: lamb, comb, thumb, and doorjamb

 

Because my court reporter client writes words as they’re spoken very quickly, she wrote “jam” because that’s what she heard.

LeAnn from LMSproofread, L.L.C.

 

I love the look and feel of velvet, so it’s no surprise that my Philodendron micans (velvet leaf philodendron) is one of the favorites in my collection.

The leaves have a soft, shimmery texture that catches the light in different ways throughout the day. New leaves start a bronze color and change to a deep green as they mature. That gradual change is part of this plant's charm. 🪴

Let's keep growing together!

What did you think of today's email? I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or feedback. Email julie@theproofreadergreenhouse.com

 

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