Gratitude

Gratitude and its impact on happiness in work and life has occupied my thoughts lately. Have you heard the phrase “Compliment someone, you’ll feel better than they do?” Perhaps you have seen it on the wrapper of a heavenly blue chocolate square…Dove?! I’ve eaten more pieces of Dove with this phrase than I’d like to admit. ??

Gratitude is all about perspective. Growing up, my mom taught me to remember that there is always someone either better or worse off than myself in any given situation. We all have crosses to bear, but how we handle and respond to them is what matters. We all have a choice in life to control our attitude and perspective. We go through ups and downs, loss, illness, difficult times, but on the flipside, we also experience immense joy and growth. Through it all, we can choose to be grateful.

Though taught at a young age the importance of gratitude and perspective, I didn’t realize its impact on my professional career until very recently. I manage a team of very hard-working dedicated business developers at Gartner. One of my team members told me that he never realized the importance of gratitude until we worked together. Leading by example and going the extra mile to make sure we build relationships with all partners internal and external; I had taught my team gratitude’s importance.

It is very easy to get from A to B and forget to look back and thank the people that helped us achieve our goals. It’s the seemingly small gesture of a handwritten thank you that makes a huge impact. On my team, we practice gratitude in many ways. We take time to give thanks and praise regularly in meetings. We let leadership know when one of our analysts or internal delivery partners goes above and beyond to support a customer. We share and celebrate when we achieve our goals. We are thankful for the company we work for and the clients we help. Gratitude is contagious, if you don’t believe me, try it!

Not only has gratitude impacted my team, but I experienced one of the kindest gestures of gratitude from a new customer this summer. I received an email entitled, “Thank you.” Our client took the time to email me and thank me for the care and attention our team provided to ensure that his technology team and organization were supported at an absolutely critical time. Fast-forward, and this past week at our conference in Orlando, I was able to thank this individual personally and the moment came full circle.

These recent examples reminded me of the importance and impact of gratitude. At Gartner, I’m blessed to work alongside caring, passionate, amazing, and talented colleagues. My team humbles, inspires, and drives me to improve each day.

How often do you practice gratitude in your daily life and professional relationships? Whether it takes unwrapping your own Dove or pausing long enough to read this, I hope you’ll raise the importance of gratitude in your life and work.