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Gratitude is just one way to feel better when things are not going well. Studies have shown for years that people who are grateful are more likely to have approachable personalities and open mindsets. When gratitude is a habit, it only intensifies the benefits and positive outcomes it creates.
Gratitude is expressed in many different ways, all of which meet the goal of showing another person that why are valued, respected, and appreciated. LEADERS who include gratitude in their leadership model are more inclined to support a people-first agenda.
When people feel valued, respected, and appreciated in the workplace; they tend to be more engaged and productive. In fact, they might even be more creative in how they solve the challenges and issues presented to them on a daily basis.
LEADERS who have figured out how to add gratitude to their communications with others have learned just one of the ways to bring out the best in others. Gratitude is a great tool for performance management when expressed authentically.
There are as many ways to express gratitude as there are ideas for it. Those who limit themselves in expressing gratitude might feel hindered and frustrated. It has to come naturally to the leader for it to be received authentically by the other person.
The following are 5 ways in which gratitude can be expressed in a meaningful way.
1. Say it
2. Write it
3. Give it
4. Announce it
5. Celebrate it
Saying it simply means to say thank you when someone has done something that warrants it. When someone has completed a task or project, it is essential to say thank you to them. Saying it is very simple, direct, and easy and there should no reason to leave it out when someone has earned hearing it.
Writing it can be in a card or letter or in these times, it can be an email. As long as the message of gratitude that is shared is sincere and personalized, it will be meaningful and valued.
Giving it brings with it the opportunity to get creative. In what ways can you give someone something that shows you are grateful. Could it be a gift card, book, or flowers? It is best to match the gift of the object of gratitude.
Announcing it is very effective in the workplace when a leader shares publicly gratitude for a person who has done something significant for the company. Announcing gratitude motivates others to achieve similar outcomes for that recognition.
Celebrating is a lot of fun and gets others to strive to do more and enjoy the celebration. A luncheon celebration invites others to go after completing their work in a way to prompts the same or similar gratitude.
It doesn’t matter which gestures of gratitude are expressed, what matters most is that some gesture of gratitude is expressed in a timely manner. LEADERS who neglect expressing gratitude are more likely to be feared, disrespected, and not trusted. Over the long haul, these will negatively impact the effectiveness of the leader and the output of the organization.
Gestures of gratitude have eve tying to do with building and nurturing collaborative relationships in the workplace. People want to work with people who value, respect, and trust them and they know this to be certain when they are thanked on a regular basis.
Gratitude is an essential component of any healthy and successful relationship. Finding ways to thank others will enhance the relationship and the effectiveness of the leader and the employees. Find ways to test giving gratitude to others that give you solid results.
With much gratitude for taking the time to read this article.
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