Acknowledgement

Acknowledging someone is giving feedback on that that person has done something that is worth noticing. It is celebrating the process a client goes through, the results are not always the most important things.
Acknowledgment adds momentum and goes beyond compliments (as these are subjective) - it is about enabling the client to take action, to get in a positive and upwards spiral.

Some people don't have the ability to celebrate their own achievement, are unable to accept acknowledgment, feedback and compliments. Don't have an expectation of a specific reaction when acknowledging someone, just do it.

A story: a teacher asks the class a question. They all raise their hands and are willing to answer the question. Because with every answer the teacher acknowledges his students with: "Wow, I hadn't thought of it that way!". He is praising their own thinking.

Other words to acknowledge someone than "I would like to acknowledge you for ..." are:

• Wow, that seems like you have done a lot of work!
• Look how amazing this is what you have done!
• Good for you!
• Look what you have accomplished related to a month ago!