Our Thoughts
The Power of Gratitude in Business: A Thanksgiving Tribute
Nov 21, 2016
This week we celebrate a holiday that’s all about giving thanks for what we have. All walks of life gather across the nation to celebrate with turkey, mashed potatoes, other fixings, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, football, and many other traditions. We give thanks this one time a year, but gratitude should be a part of our daily lives. If we overlook gratitude on a daily basis, we miss out on some true benefits in our lives—and our business lives are no exception.
Have you ever thought about the implications of a simple thank you in the work place? Beginning with your everyday interactions with your coworkers, if you are more appreciative and mindful of your peers, you are going to see more joy and cohesiveness. You will have a stronger relationship and work more efficiently as a team if you remember to say thank you, even for the little things. Don’t be overwhelmed by planning big gestures, simple and heartfelt ones are just as valuable. Even a quick thank you or have a good day on a sticky note could mean the world to someone. Think of the last time you were on the receiving end of a simple kind gesture. How did it make you feel? Here’s a challenge: find something positive about your coworkers and show gratitude! Don’t let your coworkers feel like they are taken for granted.
On the business side of things, gratitude can go a long way and is just as important as that email etiquette you’ve been practicing! We are drawn to people who acknowledge our contributions. This starts at the top and trickles all the way down to our customers. It is vital for those on the outside to see gratitude within an organization. Thankful people are happy; happy people are contagious. If those in leadership roles within your organization show gratitude, other employees will recognize this and they will follow suit. Customers who feel appreciated will return. If you have ever read the book, Lunchmeat and Life Lessons by Mary B. Lucas, you understand the importance of layering on the “comeback sauce”. If you haven’t read the book, go grab a copy. Trust me, we all need to hear these lessons!
Now let’s think on a personal level. What qualities attract you to others? Do you enjoy being around people who are kind and respectful or do you prefer to be around those who make you feel unappreciated and, well, drained? Part of that respect stems from their appreciation towards others. A little appreciation goes a long way even in your personal life. You have more respect for those who show their appreciation from time to time. If your friends ask you to help them with something, then, they turn around and don’t show any gratitude, how does that affect your relationship with that person? Think of the positive that could have come from a simple “Thank you. I appreciate your help.”
While you are enjoying your time with loved ones this Thanksgiving, just remember the role gratitude plays in our lives on all levels. We wish you all the best this giving season.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving from the HireLevel Team.
