Gratitude….It’s Not Just For Thanksgiving….
This week, I am guest posting at Scott Mabry’s blog. Here is the blog post I’ve written on the importance of Gratitude.
The role of leaders today is that they create a culture of fundamentals. Creating environments where simple and practice application of humility and gratitude take root in the lives of everyone on the team. To be leader takes self-confidence, humility and awareness — of self and others — to articulate appreciation for others. You have an understanding that people perform at higher levels when they feel appreciated.
What is Gratitude? 
Simply, gratitude is appreciation at a deepest level within us. It’s not just about being grateful for large blessings but for the small ones as well. To be grateful, it is less about what people do and more about who they are and the roles they play in our lives and in our organizations. Carry forward our attitude of gratitude as a leader can have an extraordinary impact in every facet of our daily life.
Expressing gratitude is really the art of noticing. We notice everything that surrounds us – from people to places to things. When we put an emphasis on leading with an attitude of gratitude, we can build confidence in others, improve productivity, foster innovation and develop positive relationships.
How do we spread our gratitude to others? Let’s look at five simple ways as a leader you can incorporate gratitude into your daily life.
- Combine gratitude and feedback. As leaders, it is essential that we provide our employees specific, clear feedback. Feedback is a critical tool that we use to ensure our teams, employees are able learn from the feedback we provide. The next time you offer up feedback, preface the statement with “I want to thank you….” Starting off with a positive makes more receptive to hear the feedback and take it to heart.
- Be specific and authentic. For gratitude to be accepted, it needs to be true. Leaders take the time to notice the many ways in which employees make sacrifices and contribute to the team. For example, you have noticed a team member who stayed late to finish a project or perhaps an assistant who goes above the call of duty to ensure that meeting is completed with ease. Be specific in what you are gratitude for with the employee. Let’em know you care by showing that it was just an afterthought to their work ethic.
- Make gratitude a habit. I’m not suggesting you write down every time you give a “gratitude” statement, rather, make a note of a conversation you may had with someone and how they responded to your gratitude attitude and statements. Reflect on each member of your team and consider how you can be gratitude for their presence in your life and your work.
- Make gratitude either intimate or public. If you’re taking time to notice the good work your team is doing, don’t waste that effort with a casual “thank you.” Depending on the situation, either sit down and express your gratitude during a calm, private moment or make your “thank you” a moment of public acknowledge in front of your team.
- Make it personal. In our world today, we tend to quickly respond with an email or text. It might be more appropriate to take the time write a note – in your own hand and make it personal. Handwritten notes are lasting impressions, and leave your team with the idea that you took the time to care enough to write not just casually send an email with a generic text.
