October 14, 2018
Appreciation Mail and a Silent Manager
Updated September 2026: in 2018 I wrote about finding a long appreciation mail from a delivery expert on a Monday morning after a week of work including weekends, and my disappointment that my manager, though copied, said nothing about it all day. I have rewritten it into advice on recognition and what to do when a manager stays silent.
I do not usually check office mail on Monday mornings while travelling back from my home town, but that day I did, and found a pleasant surprise. The delivery expert I had worked with for a week, including the weekend, had sent a long mail praising my work and commitment, with my manager copied. I had not expected it. At the office I showed it to colleagues and immediately wrote back to thank him. My manager was on every mail, yet he did not mention it once that day, which left me deflated.
Why might a manager not respond to praise for your work?
Busy days, a habit of acknowledging things in one-to-ones rather than by mail, or a plan to mention it more widely later. It can also be simple oversight. Silence on the day tells you little.
What should you do with an appreciation mail?
- Thank the sender promptly: as I did, copying your manager.
- File it: in a folder you will use at appraisal time.
- Mention it in your next one-to-one: briefly, as evidence of impact.
- Return the favour: appreciate colleagues' good work in writing too.
Is it fine to show praise to colleagues?
A little pride is natural, but a quiet approach wears better. Colleagues notice the work more than the mail.
How do you ask for recognition without sounding needy?
Frame it around the work: "The bid went well; is there anything you would like me to do differently next time?" That invites feedback and reminds your manager of the result.
Does outside praise count at appraisal?
Often yes, particularly from delivery managers and clients, because it shows impact beyond your own team. Keep the evidence, and use it.