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Small Gestures with Big Impacts
Leaders have a lot on their plate, and it is sometimes easy to overlook an essential leadership tool: gratitude. With the holidays just around the corner, now is a great time for leaders to reflect on the power of gratitude and the influence it has on leadership practices.
The Importance of Gratitude
Leaders face a lot of pressure—from daily people management and strategic decision-making to meeting tight deadlines and driving innovation—their schedules are packed full, leaving little room for anything beyond the immediate tasks at hand. Amidst these responsibilities, it’s easy for the importance of gratitude to get overlooked. In fact, according to an analysis by Gallup, “only one in three workers in the U.S. strongly agree that they received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past seven days.”
This analysis highlights the widespread issue of employees feeling undervalued and emphasize the importance of implementing effective recognition practices in the workplace, such as:
1. Regular Check-Ins
Regular check-ins involve scheduling one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss their progress, address any challenges, and recognize their achievements. For example, a leader might hold bi-weekly meetings with each team member to provide feedback, discuss career goals, and offer support for any obstacles they might be facing.
2. Personalized Acknowledgment
Personal acknowledgment can come in various forms, including a handwritten thank-you note, a customized email, or a direct message that highlights specific contributions. For instance, a leader might send a note to an employee recognizing their problem-solving skills during a challenging project, or they could craft an email that celebrates an individual’s consistent dedication to meeting deadlines.
3. Public Recognition
Public recognition involves highlighting team members' accomplishments in meetings, monthly newsletters, or company-wide communications. For example, a leader might spotlight an employee’s exceptional performance during a team meeting or feature their achievements in a company newsletter.
4. Professional Development Opportunities
Offering professional development opportunities includes providing access to training programs, workshops, or mentorship that aligns with individual career goals. For example, a leader might offer a soon-to-be manager an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills through The Leadership Challenge® Workshop, where they can learn to cultivate new operating methods, take calculated risks, and act strategically.
5. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements
Celebrating milestones and achievements involves organizing team celebrations or events to mark significant accomplishments, such as completing a major project or reaching a business goal. This could be a team lunch or a special acknowledgment during a team meeting.
Why Gratitude Matters
Showing gratitude isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical component of effective leadership. When leaders actively express appreciation, they foster a positive work environment where team members feel valued and engaged. This, in turn, leads to:
• Increased Engagement: Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
• Higher Retention Rates: Gratitude can improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.
• Enhanced Team Cohesion: A culture of appreciation strengthens team relationships and collaboration.
• Improved Performance: Recognized and valued employees are often more productive and committed to their work.
Leaders who consistently show gratitude create a workplace where individuals feel valued and inspired to contribute their best. By implementing these five strategies into daily routines as a leader, teams become stronger, more cohesive and produce lasting success.
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