Leading Through Gratitude and Kindness in the Workplace

Every human being has an innate desire to be loved and appreciated. And sometimes when we don't get it at home with our loved ones, or family, so there is a tendency to expect a certain level of appreciation in the workplace.

In today's fast-paced workplaces, when demands never seem to go away and resources are always tight, cultivating an atmosphere of appreciation and generosity or kindness can have a profound impact. Grace and kindness extended to coworkers may turn the workplace into a haven of empathy and resilience, which is especially important now as people are feeling the pressure of life's problems. In the face of increasing demands and decreasing resources, leading with appreciation and kindness is not only an option but a need for fostering a successful organizational culture.

I highlight below some approaches that may help bring these important traits into the workplace:

1. Recognize Effort: It is even more important to acknowledge the efforts of colleagues during times of scarcity. Expressing gratitude with a handwritten note or thank you may do wonders for morale and community building.
2. Practice Active Listening: Take the time to listen carefully while your coworkers discuss the difficulties they're facing. This is an example of active listening. Trust, collaborative problem-solving, and mutual support are all facilitated by listening with empathy.
3. Help Out/Offer Support: Whether it's with a project or just listening when coworkers are going through a bad season, being there for coworkers shows unity and builds relationships.
4. Lead by Example: Leaders at all levels of a company can influence the culture of the workplace by modeling the behavior they expect from their subordinates. They encourage others to be grateful, kind, and compassionate by showing these qualities in their behavior and interactions.
5. Promote Self-Care: Acknowledge the value of work-life integration and motivate your colleagues to do the same. Promoting a mindset of self-care is critical, whether that is through regular rest, mindfulness practices, or reaching out for help when you need it. No matter how tough things get, it's crucial to remember to celebrate every success, no matter how big or small.
6. Celebrate Success: Acknowledging successes fosters a feeling of fulfillment and encourages teams to keep going when things get tough.

Gratitude and kindness, when led during times of strain and uncertainty, build resilience, fortify relationships, and create a healthy workplace where people can flourish, no matter how bad things get. When we show kindness to our coworkers and practice empathy, we improve the lives of individuals around us and help our organizations thrive as a whole.

Does this resonate with you? What are you doing in your organization to create a positive and conducive environment and work culture?

Please share your thoughts

Terry