The Appreciation StationA way of showing gratitude to colleagues

By Siobhan Sinclair

What is The Appreciation Station?A box that sits in the staffroom with a pen attached to it and pieces of paper under it.

Why is it there?So staff can practice the character strength of Gratitude. Appreciation is one of the Learner Attribute we teach at International Baccalaureate Schools.

How do you use it?Staff write a note of appreciation, either anonymously or signed. Fold it and write the receivers name on the outside and drop it into the box. The notes are delivered most days of the week.

Great Idea!

So, how is it going?....

Yes, I thought so too! Creating a Positive Institution as defined by Chris Peterson and Dr Martin Seligman (video lecture: the 24 Character Strengths and PERMA), I hope the Appreciation Station will increase the PERMA* of the staff at our school.

*Positive Institutions Engagement Relationships Meaning Accomplishment

Well… it looks goodBut …

It’s as empty as… a politician's promises

So I …did a 10 minute presentation at yesterday’s staff meeting and included Shawn Achor’s TED talk (week 1 Character Exercises forum)

Then asked each staff member to write a note of appreciation to anyone in the school and drop it in the box on their way out.

It worked

Today I spent all my recess bringing smiles to staff around the school. Notes went mostly to primary teachers and teacher assistants, but also to the cleaners, security guards, office ladies, principal and deputy.

Some staff have asked if the Appreciation Station could be present in all staff meetings.Someone has already put a new note in the Appreciation Station where it stands in the staffroom.

Moving Forward

As a Macro Structure I was pleased The Appreciation Station ticked all the boxes:Recurring – it’s a constant in the staffroom, and will now be part of our staff meetings. Notes are delivered most work days; Proactively Planned – Introduced so it can raise PERMA within the school as a whole, both writers and receivers will benefit; Active – by writing and receiving notes there is a tangible aspect to the activity; Aligned – Appreciation is one of the Learner Attribute we teach in class and strive for as Life Long Learners.

Thank-you