As Business Analysis professionals, we work with lots of different stakeholders and staff. In order to elicit the best requirements and outcomes, it's important to establish meaningful relationships. I know my last blog was about the Annoying BA - but you can still be "annoying" and establish meaningful relationships. In fact, I strongly believe that showing appreciation for those that you work with will only increase the "meaningfulness" of the relationship. Plus- with it being the holiday season, what better time to start!!

So without further ado - I'm offering some easy, no cost ways to show your colleagues, team, staff and superiors that you appreciate them via a David Letterman style top 10 List.

Top 10 Ways to Show Appreciation in the Workplace:

10. Present "State of the Project" reports periodically acknowledging the work and contributions of individuals and teams.

9. On a regularly basis (monthly), at status meetings, award a "Stakeholder of the Month" and invite co-workers at the meeting to say why that person is deserving of the award.

8. Create an Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award.

7. Send a letter to all team members at the conclusion of a project, thanking them for their participation.

6. Start a suggestion program.

5. When you hear a positive remark about someone, repeat it to that person as soon as possible (Face-to-face is best, e-mail or voice mail are good in a pinch).

4. Acknowledge individual achievements by using employee names in status reports.

3. Actively listen to co-workers, especially when discussing their accomplishments and contributions.

2. Acknowledge and celebrate birthdays.

1. Write a hand written thank you note. They are rare in this digital age, but go a long way!

You obviously do not have to do all of the above, but this is a start. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic and other meaningful ways to show appreciation.

Happy Holidays!