Whether you’re a manager, team leader or the head of an organization, there are essential ways you can give thanks and promote positive and lasting change in others:
1. Start your day off with a brief statement of gratitude. Whether you are saying thanks for the hot coffee you’re holding in your hand, the fact that your car started without a glitch, the warm bed you slept in, the roof over your head or the kids getting up without you asking them to, offer up a bit of gratefulness for the small things in your day. When you’re grateful for little things it helps you keep perspective throughout the day. By being mindful that others do not have beds to sleep in, roofs over their head, hot cups of coffee or even cars to take them to work, you’ll be less likely to complain, too.
2. Show gratitude to someone else. Recognize the accomplishments of others–regularly. Make it a practice to single out someone for a job well done. When a cashier smiles and is pleasant and goes above and beyond, be sure to let him or her know. When a coworker or employee is doing his or her job exceptionally well and trying very hard, let them know you notice his or her efforts. If it is someone who doesn’t report to you, send them a thank you and copy their manager so that their accomplishments are documented.
3. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank you note. It’s a lost and dying art form, but the thank you letter is not extinct. If someone does something extraordinary, take the time to sit down and let them know what their efforts meant to you and to your organization. Be sure to express exactly what it is you’re most grateful for and highlight the talents you think this person brings to your organization. Whoever receives such a letter, will not only be grateful to you, but will be encouraged to continue his or her behavior and work ethic in the future.
4. Promote a culture of gratitude. Be sure to be gracious in every interaction with coworkers, employees, managers, clients and customers. By showing appreciation and respect for others time and efforts, you will show others how it is you want to be treated as well. When people see that you are genuinely grateful for their efforts, they will feel inclined to behave the same way.
5. End every day with a recollection of all people for whom you are grateful. The Center for the Greater Good found overwhelming evidence that suggests those people who can regularly recount all the ways others have helped them throughout their day are much happier and fulfilled individuals. By recognizing you couldn’t be where you are today without your coworkers, clients, customers, managers, employees, students, patients, neighbors, friends, family, emergency workers, military and the list goes on…. you are much more likely to keep giving and keep serving. You will wake up the next day with conviction, a great sense of purpose and unity with your fellow men and women.
Some upcoming open enrollment programs that may help you inspire others to be gracious, act courageously, selflessly and make a difference in themselves and their organization:
Leadership Foundations Certificate
Learn how you can become the kind of leader who can inspire, engage and empower others to achieve results and unleash individual and organizational potential.
Learn how to engage others, manage interactions and shape outcomes so you can become a more effective manager and leader.
Create productive day-today interactions and alignment so that everyone achieves their maximum potential …and you attain your desired outcome.
Develop the skills and learn the tools you need to successfully lead your next change initiative.
Building and Sustaining Customer Service Culture
Learn how to create a customer service culture throughout your organization.
Learn how to develop and leverage your own natural talents and the talents of others to create a more positive, productive workforce.
Managing with Different Leadership Styles
Lead more effectively by analyzing specific individual or situational needs and choosing the best leadership approach for your goals.
