Acknowledge Her Effort (Not Just Results)

Results matter, but effort matters too. When you acknowledge her effort, even when things don't turn out perfectly, you show you value the work she puts in, not just the outcome.

Don't only appreciate things when they turn out perfectly. Appreciate the effort she puts in, even when things don't go as planned.

1. Notice the Work She Put In

What did she do? What effort did she make? What time did she spend? What thought did she put into it?

2. Acknowledge It Specifically

"I appreciate all the work you put into planning that. I know that took a lot of time and thought."

"Thank you for trying. I know you put a lot of effort into that."

3. Don't Focus on the Outcome

Even if things didn't turn out perfectly, acknowledge the effort: "I know that didn't go as planned, but I really appreciate all the work you put into it."

4. Recognize the Intent

Acknowledge what she was trying to do, not just what happened: "I appreciate that you were trying to [specific thing]. That meant a lot."

5. Show You Value the Effort

Make it clear that you value the effort itself, not just the result.

The time she spent on something.

The thought she put into it.

The effort she made.

The intent behind what she did.

The work she put in, even if it didn't work out.

Only acknowledging perfect results: Recognize effort even when things don't turn out perfectly.

Focusing on what went wrong: Acknowledge what she did right, not just what went wrong.

Not saying it: If you notice the effort, acknowledge it.

Being dismissive: Don't minimize her effort just because the result wasn't perfect.

You acknowledged her effort. She felt valued for the work she put in, not just the outcome. You showed you appreciate her effort. That's a win.