Challenge Yourself to Share Your Gratitude This (and Every) Month

It’s the beginning of the month in which gratitude is top of mind. A popular exercise this time of year is to write down or share one thing each day for which you are truly grateful. Perhaps you’ve seen the trend on Facebook or social media. Or maybe your family creates a “Thankful Tree” or “Thankful Jar” each year.

Take a 30-day challenge

While I suggest that you take time each and every day, all year long, to think about the blessings in your life, today is as good a day as any to start. Definitely focus on your personal life because building an attitude of gratitude will make you happier and less stressed. However, also challenge yourself to pinpoint one thing for which you are grateful at work each day. If you do, you will be a more positive and effective leader, so ask yourself:

• What are people doing that you appreciate?
• What skills do people use that are important but overlooked?
• What results are making a difference?
• What do you see people doing that makes a difference for others and organizational results?
• What processes make your life easier?
• What people make your life easier?
• How does your boss help to make you a more effective leader and help to make your job more satisfying?

Doing this exercise will do another important thing for you. It will prompt you to actively look for the good in your job and workplace, and after time, doing so will become a habit. That is the key to maintaining a positive attitude, and that makes you a better leader and employee.

Start showing your gratitude

Once you have identified what you appreciate about your job, it is time to share that gratitude with others. Here are three really easy ways to do that:

• Say “Thank you.” People appreciate it when you say “Thank you.” It is more than a pleasantry; it is an important acknowledgement that also builds confidence and gratitude in others. Say it often. Set a daily goal for how many times you will offer a sincere “Thank you” each day.
• Write thank-you notes. Unfortunately, the handwritten thank-you note is dying a slow and painful death. Yet, when I ask people about the handwritten note, most people tell me they have saved one or remember one that they received. A written thank-you note is even more important coming from you as a leader. Email is fine, but it doesn’t have the same impact as a handwritten note. Buy some nice stationary and pen notes to people.
• Give gratitude feedback. As a leader you are expected to provide performance feedback. I suggest that you regularly give gratitude feedback too. Offer employees very specific feedback about how much you appreciate what they did, and share the impact it had on you, coworkers, other stakeholders, goals and more. Focus your feedback on why their actions mattered and why you appreciate them.

Those three simple steps can have a massive impact on morale, retention and productivity. However, beyond the obvious quantifiable reasons, don’t forget: Being grateful and sharing your gratitude are just the right things to do, both personally and professionally.

Now, take some time today to start the challenge, and work hard to stick to it this month and beyond.

What are you most grateful for at work? 

Photo Credit: Mommy Wisdom