'Tis The Season For Gratitude
“Gratitude is the one of the most neglected emotions and one of the most underestimated virtues.” - Robert C. Solomon, The Psychology of Gratitude
Gratitude … neglected? Successful leaders do not neglect gratitude. We embrace it. As we enter the holiday season, I strongly believe in purposefully practicing gratitude -- with clients, the Slater Success team, and my family -- and in focusing on what we're grateful for.
At Slater Success, I’m grateful for our clients and the inspiration they present us with to help manage and scale their businesses. I want to thank the Slater Success team - those who left us in 2023 and our new team members. And I’m incredibly thankful to my family -- Michael, Alex + Mitchell, newly married Bryce + Annalisa, and 92-year-old Mom, keeping warm in Boca Raton for the winter.
Last year, my Thanksgiving message highlighted how expressions of gratitude help build business relationships and better employee communications. Click here to see it!
This year, I’d like to focus on how business leaders can show and foster gratitude within their organizations.
Business leaders would do well to pay attention to the stress, burnout, and loneliness their employees struggle with. Gallup reports that four in 10 U.S. say their job is negatively impacting their mental health. In another Gallup study, fewer than 25% of employees say their organization cares about their well-being… a percentage that has doubled since COVID-19.
Successful leaders can address the core of employee dissatisfaction by recognizing their employees. Said a different way, THANK YOU!
Gallup partnered with Workhuman, a global employee experience solutions company, to study recognition's wide-ranging impact in the workplace. In previous research, Gallup & Workhuman found a positive connection between employee recognition and wellbeing. The data show that employees who experience the 'right" amount of recognition from their employers will have lower burnout and stronger relationships with co-workers.
Further, current research from Gallup & Workhuman shows that when employers actively recognize employee performance, well-being increases, resulting in improved business outcomes. Employees who feel they are receiving the “best recognition possible” are more likely to be top performers in the organization. Again, recognition (or THANK YOU) can lead to higher profits.
How do you communicate recognition for your employees? Do you show positivity with positive feedback to the same degree as constructive improvement guidelines? Are you remembering the manners taught by our parents? I mentioned my mom earlier in this article. I was brought up with the importance of expressing Please and Thank You -- are you using these simple words with your team, associates, colleagues, etc.? Especially the barista in the morning who passes you that first cup of coffee.
If you are struggling with how to express appreciation, think of Brian Tracy who is a business motivational speaker well-known for articulating the “Four A’s for Expressing Gratitude” - Appreciation. Approval. Admiration. Attention. He spells out tactical ways to say THANK YOU:
Appreciation – Express gratitude to everyone and develop an attitude of gratitude
Approval – Give praise and approval for reasonable effort and all suggestions or ideas
Admiration – Compliment people on their traits and accomplishments
Attention – Listen mindfully to others with patience and attention
As we approach Thanksgiving, take a moment to think about the things you are grateful for. If you’re like me, you’ll offer thanks to clients, employees, and your family!
Slater Success wishes you a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. And remember to say THANK YOU often and frequently.
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