'Tis the Season: Why Gratitude Makes All the Difference

Over the course of my career, I have learned that "thank you" is one of the most powerful phrases a person ever hears -- and one of the most transformative. 

Gratitude inspires, encourages, and creates a positive climate for deeper relationships and better cooperation. For those who want to rise in their careers and grow into strong leaders, it's critical to take time and be intentional about showing gratitude. 

With the holiday season upon us, there is no better time to say, "thank you" -- as individuals and organizations reflect on the successes of the past 12 months and look ahead to the new year.

So, why is gratitude so important to strong, authentic leadership? And, what are some of the best ways you can show it?

Gratitude toward those you lead not only lifts them up, it reinforces your vision for a positive workplace. 

Great leaders seek to understand what's most important to their employees. (Hint: it isn't pay.) People in diverse industries across the country consistently say that the most important thing is being appreciated, doing interesting and challenging work, and feeling that they are part of a team. This means your gratitude as a leader -- whether you are expressing it in a written note or with an award in front of the entire team -- is one of the most important ways to connect and inspire. 

Such intentional effort in giving thanks reminds every person on your team that his or her contributions are a vital part of shared success. At a company like Lockheed Martin, recognition is especially important. We attract employees who have a strong desire to be part of a team with a keen sense of mission as we protect our nation's security and press forward the frontiers of scientific discovery. Words of gratitude rekindle that sense of how individual actions fit into the broader vision and mission. 

Expressing gratitude is not only good for encouraging teamwork and office collegiality, it's good for business. 

Researchers at the Wharton School of Business and Harvard Business School found that people who feel appreciated have a greater sense of self-worth and are more likely to experience the "gratitude effect," which means they're more likely to help others. Showing gratitude to employees can have positive and far-reaching effects. 

Gratitude should extend beyond your employees to your customers.

Many organizations make the mistake of taking their customers for granted. 

While your employees drive your success, your customers are the source of it. For this reason, the most effective leaders show their gratitude to customers -- before, during, and after meetings. 

When you are grateful for the interest and ongoing business from your customers, you are more likely to listen and understand their needs. You are also more likely to reflect on conversations later and catch small nuances which deepen relationships. This helps you not only meet your customer's needs today, it helps you anticipate their needs tomorrow.

Appreciation for the customer has another benefit. It radiates from the leader and helps inspire a customer focus from employees all across your company. 

Once you understand the full potential of gratitude for shaping positive relationships, you will want to be intentional about showing it.

Here is what I've learned about specific ways leaders can show their thanks to those around them:

1. Listen carefully. If employees or customers come to you with unsolicited comments, listen carefully -- and act upon them. This shows them that you hear their concerns and value their opinions. 
2. Be specific. When you see strong contributions or outstanding results, be sure to acknowledge employees by name and identify their particular contributions to the company or a team project.
3. Communicate often. Convey your gratitude regularly through emails, handwritten notes, and video messages. Let your employees and customers hear from you directly in whatever format is most effective -- and do it regularly. 
4. Respond promptly. Set clear, personal deadlines to ensure you respond quickly after receiving employee input or meeting with customers. In your letters and notes back, acknowledge the time people took to meet you and highlight areas where you or your team will follow-up. Thank employees and customers for their investments in the relationship, their contributions, and their sincere interest in achieving success together.

There is no limit to the power of "thank you." 

Showing gratitude transcends cultural, generational, and geographical boundaries. It is one of the most worthwhile ways we can make a positive impact on the world. 

How do you express your appreciation for your employees and customers? Share your stories of gratitude in the comments section.