Lead with Gratitude

Sam Walton once said, "Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free and worth a fortune." I couldn’t agree more. As we head into this holiday season, now is a great time to pause and express gratitude to those we work with.

Gratitude Can Change an Entire Workplace

As a leader, expressing gratitude to coworkers has the power to change a relationship, a team, and even an entire workplace culture. Throughout my career, my personal observations have proved to me that leaders who possess an attitude of gratitude are happier, more fun to be around, and make better bosses. What’s more is they tend to make those around them better, too!?

I’ve seen over and over again the power of expressing gratitude. Early in my career at FranklinCovey, I had the opportunity to join Dr. Stephen R Covey and one of my clients for lunch. I was appropriately nervous and excited at the same time. I didn’t know Stephen well and remember vividly how much I wanted to represent both him and our firm in the most professional way possible. Following lunch, I drove Stephen to the airport. I don’t remember everything we discussed, but I’ll never forget the very specific and thoughtful things he shared about the work I was doing and the way I had contributed to the lunch meeting and business conversation. To say this made my day would be a massive understatement! His actions left me feeling both appreciated and like I wanted to work even harder to be the best representative of FranklinCovey I possibly could.

In every instance, the expression of thanks–especially gratitude for a job well done–is a win-win. The person showing gratitude and the one receiving the compliment equally benefit–both feeling good about what they’ve done and motivated to continue their efforts.

Be Specific in Expressing Gratitude

While it is both important and easy to remember to say “thank you,” or “nice job” (we’ve learned these token phrases since kindergarten), I have found it is far better to focus and be specific about what you are thankful for. If a colleague or a team has done great work, don’t just say “thanks,” but rather be specific with your praise:

• What did they do well??
• How did their actions make a difference??

The more specific you are in your thanks, the more your gratitude will be felt and remembered. The specific praise will motivate a coworker or teammate to continue working hard, knowing that their leader is taking notice.

Share the Good News With Others

I’ve heard a story numerous times about Indra Nooyi, former CEO at PepsiCo, who would on occasion write to the parents of her most senior leaders and let them know how grateful she was for their son or daughter. In the letters, she would highlight important contributions they had made to the PepsiCo organization. Think of the power of that action for a moment!?

For me, this story is a great reminder that our gratitude for others can often be shared with more than just the individual for whom we are grateful. In fact, under the right circumstances, sharing our gratitude more publicly and modeling a behavior of gratitude, will help to extend a culture of gratitude to the broader team and throughout an organization.

The Business Case for Gratitude

All of us want to know that our work and efforts are valued and appreciated.At FranklinCovey, we teach leaders that a major part of their leadership responsibility is to create the conditions where the people on their team can truly say, “I am a valued member of a winning team doing meaningful work in an environment of trust .” That belief starts with being valued and feeling that others are grateful for you and the work you do. When there is a connection between my work and the success of my team and organization–and when someone comes along and acknowledges the work I do and expresses gratitude for it–that’s the best feeling in the world!?

As the holidays approach, may you take advantage of this season and express gratitude to those around you, and encourage others to do the same. Watch how your teams and colleagues grow closer, and stronger, as a result. That, in and of itself, is gratitude at work.