Chapter 1: The Pitfalls of Neglecting Recognition

For a long time, my reaction to even the slightest praise was, “I appreciate it, but I’d rather know what I could improve.” This mindset became my default, overshadowing any acknowledgment of success. I prioritized the negatives over the positives.

Several factors contributed to this attitude: a strong belief in learning from mistakes, a desire to absorb wisdom from respected figures, and deeper issues such as fear and insecurity. While I had confidence, there lingered a worry that what hadn’t affected me in the past could strike in the future. I also feared complacency; I thought that any enjoyment in my achievements could dull my ambition or resolve.

I had encountered phrases from peers suggesting that recognition could lead to mediocrity. In a competitive environment, staying humble seemed essential. With the vigor of youth, I was determined not to be subdued or average.

Photo by Fausto Marqués on Unsplash

Reflecting on my career, I realize that a bit of praise wouldn’t have been detrimental. Nowadays, I try to adopt a mindset of gratitude and share this perspective with my colleagues. The present version of myself is much improved.

However, this transformation doesn’t erase how I interacted with my teams. I embodied the “keep pushing forward; we’ll celebrate later” mentality, focusing solely on the horizon while neglecting the present joys. This approach likely contributed to feelings of burnout and underappreciation among my coworkers. While I hope my care was evident in other ways, I acknowledge that I fell short in demonstrating empathetic leadership.

I am grateful for colleagues—both within my department and in others—who recognized the importance of celebrating milestones. They understood when it was time for a casual gathering or a small token of appreciation, bridging the gap that I often overlooked.

Chapter 2: The Common Struggles of Leadership

So why share these insights? I work with numerous CEOs who exhibit similar traits. They genuinely care for their teams but grapple with finding the right balance between celebration and relentless pursuit of goals. Many leaders share the inclination to critique themselves without taking a moment to appreciate their journey. This issue isn’t confined to any demographic; it’s a widespread challenge. I hope that by sharing my reflections, I can offer some comfort to others facing similar struggles.