There is an Appreciation Gap in Teams

The sincere expression of appreciation is an often-overlooked yet important thread in the intricate web of team dynamics. It's more than a token gesture; it's a major act that can have a significant impact on team happiness and productivity.

This view is supported by research, which also emphasizes the relationship-building process inherent in appreciation.

While some leaders may undervalue the value of appreciation, assuming they are doing enough, research shows a huge perception gap.

This means that typically managers perceive they are providing sufficient appreciation to the team, while team members often report feeling appreciation starved.

Researchers Grant and Gino discovered that employees who experienced higher levels of appreciation reported higher levels of job satisfaction and engagement in a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, showing the practical benefits of genuine praise.

Appreciating team members does more than just create a nice atmosphere; it also starts a healthy feedback cycle. A fundamental research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology by Adam Grant and Francesca Gino highlights that expressions of gratitude foster a sense of social worth and motivate prosocial conduct.

The study discovered that people who received gratitude were more inclined to be helpful and cooperative, establishing a positive team culture.

At its core, appreciation taps into two powerful sources of happiness: thankfulness and generosity. Recognizing the excellent in others and expressing that awareness generates happy feelings, which promotes engagement. Researchers Emmons and McCullough evaluated the impact of thankfulness interventions in Psychological Bulletin and concluded that practicing gratitude not only increases well-being but also strengthens social ties.

According to research, expressing gratitude improves relationship quality by deepening relationships and establishing a pleasant team atmosphere.

Researchers Gordon, Arnette, and Smith discovered that teams with an appreciation culture had greater levels of cohesion, trust, and collective efficacy, according to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology.

Leaders can add a daily thankfulness practice into their routine to harness the transforming power of appreciation and gratitude, such activities not only promote individual well-being but also contribute to a more positive team climate.

The beneficial influence on team relationships grows over time as leaders become more competent at spotting and expressing thanks for team members' efforts.

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