Being valued is essential. It’s as vital to the human experience as oxygen — in our relationships, in our work, and in how we relate to ourselves. But in our increasingly digital world, where disconnection can quietly creep in, we must be more deliberate about showing others they matter.
That’s the question I’ve been pondering this week:
How do people know you value them?
In our business networking community, we’ve found that emotional intelligence is just as critical as strategic thinking. In fact, it’s the foundation of everything we do at BIP100 — an exclusive business club for business owners who want to grow not just their companies, but their sense of connection and self-worth.
Why Feeling Seen Matters
We all long to be seen, heard, and appreciated. And while a ‘like’ on a post can bring a moment of validation, what about the gestures that go deeper? A kind word. A compliment. A meaningful thank you.
I remember telling my daughter, Hannah, as she started senior school, “I really like you.” Of course, she knows I love her — but I wanted her to feel liked, enjoyed, appreciated — not just loved out of duty. I made sure to say the same to my sons, Ross and TJ. It reminded me how often we assume others know how we feel, when in fact, they may be quietly longing to hear it.
Emotional Intelligence in Action
During a recent talk at Dentons on emotional intelligence in business, I invited participants to go deeper in conversation. They spoke in pairs — not about surface-level work topics, but about real experiences. One person said afterwards, “I never knew that part of their life, and I now have a deeper respect for them.”
This is the power of presence. Of curiosity. And it’s exactly what we aim to nurture within our entrepreneur support group.
Building a Culture of Appreciation
In our professional development network, these values begin the moment someone engages with us — from their first introduction to receiving our Welcome Box after joining. The box isn’t just a gesture; it says: “We see you. You belong here.” It’s our way of affirming that business should never feel impersonal.
Whether it’s a moment shared in a one-to-one meeting or a heartfelt message exchanged within our business mastermind group, we know that small acts of validation can ripple out in profound ways.
How to Show Someone They Matter
Making someone feel valued doesn’t require fanfare. It’s in the quiet acts of care:
Learning what matters to them
Meeting them in their values, not just your own
Noticing their uniqueness and reflecting it back
Liking them, not just loving or respecting them
Showing up — fully present
Saying “thank you” simply for who they are
This week, I invite you to reflect:
Who in your life might not know how much you value them?
What simple thing could you do to change that today?
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, human connection remains our greatest gift. Let’s not assume people know they matter. Let’s show them.
P.S. Why the pigeon?
Someone once told me we treat pigeons like pests — but in wartime, they were loyal messengers when all else failed. They quietly served. They mattered. Sometimes, when we really see someone, we discover their hidden beauty, too.
