Gratitude As Strategy?

Now that we are well into the New Year, we should consider that the expression of gratitude isn’t just a thing we pay attention to during the holiday season. When practiced on a consistent basis, gratitude is an effective business strategy that can provide a long-lasting positive impact year-round.

I’ve noticed many of the world’s top leaders have adopted an attitude of gratitude because it has proven to both increase business performance while creating more energy and joy in their lives. Just look at these notable CEOs' Instagram accounts and you’ll see multiple, consistent expressions of gratitude:

@DougMcMillon of Walmart

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd0AFPjj31D/?hl=en&taken-by=dougmcmillon

@JeffBezos of Amazon

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbrpt3ihE7F/?hl=en&taken-by=jeffbezos

https://www.instagram.com/p/BacZpC_ALNm/?hl=en&taken-by=jeffbezos

@BChesky of Airbnb

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSMjJyzj5HM/?hl=en&taken-by=bchesky 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZegvrClLd2/?hl=en&taken-by=bchesky

@sarablakely of Spanx

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bel9AdTHW93/?hl=en&taken-by=sarablakely

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd1B1jpn7FV/?hl=en&taken-by=sarablakely

Research shows that leaders who practice gratitude daily are less likely to be depressed, sleep better, and have stronger relationships, as well as impressive growth in their businesses.

As leaders, we have the responsibility to model values and principles that help shape the authentic culture of our companies. When an organization collectively expresses gratitude it generates perspective, acknowledges current and future opportunity and develops a positive feedback loop, which can increase results.

Practicing gratitude also provides employees an acceptable platform and forum to recognize others and how those individuals are contributing to the group’s success, which can alleviate common pitfalls such as absenteeism, disengagement and toxic environments. UC Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons, author of The Little Book of Gratitude: Creating a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks, says, “Grateful individuals live in a way that leads to the kind of workplace environment that human beings long for.”

So how can you incorporate gratitude into your organization’s DNA in 2018?

Make Gratitude A Priority

Establish a new ritual. Whether that is writing down three things you are grateful for every morning, or mentally acknowledging what you are grateful for at the end of each workday before you leave your desk. The act of being intentional and carving out time to be grateful will become a habit that manifests positive change. Try setting up a calendar invite or setting an alarm on your mobile device. The reminder to practice gratitude is helpful and soon it may become second nature.

Share Your Gratitude With Others

Consistently sharing why and what you are grateful for with others will create a ripple effect. When you create a safe space to share what you are grateful for others in the work place are likely to reciprocate and mirror your behavior. In doing this, you may find new common ground with employees and begin to build greater rapport. Gratitude requires a level of vulnerability that is powerful in business because it makes you even more relatable as a leader and further fosters a culture of trust and genuine appreciation.

Utilize Gratitude As A Means For Celebration

Utilize gratitude as a launch pad for celebrating what’s working in your business and a foundation for learning which failures are truly opportunities for improvement. For example, try opening your next company all-hands meeting with what you are grateful for. Let your employees know why you have a reason to celebrate and why they should be excited about change or a period of growth. The goodwill created from celebration and gratitude has resounding effect on company morale and can reinforce authenticity from the top.

Keep gratitude at the forefront of your mindset this year. It’s a real strategy that your entire company can get excited about that will also contribute to your personal well-being. We all have the power to positively shift our focus and empower others by giving a nod to what we are thankful for 365 days of the year.

#CelebrateEverydayMiracles