Showing gratitude to members of your team is an engaging quality in a leader. We all like to know that we are appreciated and that our hard work has not gone unnoticed. When gratitude is regularly expressed, the culture of an organisation will blossom and prosper; this will in turn benefit productivity and ultimately, company profits. “A smart manager will establish a culture of gratitude. Expand the appreciative attitude to suppliers, vendors, delivery people, and of course, customers.” —Harvey Mackay It’s easier to express gratitude when you know your team members. Leaders need to inspire and motivate those who follow them, but first they must get to know each person and appreciate the contribution they are making to the company. Getting to know each team member on an individual level will reap benefits on both sides.
We all want to be acknowledged and appreciated, it makes us feel good about ourselves and our work. Ask your staff; What do they love about their job? What do they dislike about their job? What are their dreams, goals and ambitions? Knowing the personality, goals, preferences of your team members can assist a leader in utilising their skills in a way that best suits them and the company.
And when they do a job well, take the time to thank them. To begin it may need to be a conscious act- mark your diary to spend a little time with your team. Find out what they are working on and how they are doing with it. Then, let them know that you appreciate their hard work and contribution to the company. Thank them collectively as a group and when the opportunity arises, thank them individually. You’ll be amazed at how soon this becomes habit; you’ll become aware of the positive mindset you have when you observe members of your team. You’ll feel much better about things, and so will they. You can also offer the occasional treat as a token of your appreciation. At Vidotto Group, we openly acknowledge and thank members of our team. We give chocolates, a movie ticket or even a day off every so often. It’s a way we can let them know that we appreciate, respect and value the work they do for us. It’s a way that we can show gratitude. “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.” —Sam Walton, WalMart Founder
