Manager Tips: Cultivate a Culture of Gratitude

Thanking your team for a job well done may seem like a small gesture, but has significant benefits in the workplace. Cultivating a culture of gratitude builds trust, increases engagement and work satisfaction and leads to increased productivity. Here are 5 ways you can bring gratitude into the workplace:

1. Lead with gratitude.
   Before you start your workday, make a list of 3 things for which you are grateful. You can use a gratitude journal app, a pen and paper or just a document on your computer. This simple morning ritual sets a positive tone for you and everyone you interact with throughout the day.
2. Add it into your greeting.
   Instead of “How are you?,” start a conversation with “What’s been the best part of your day so far?” or “What are you excited about for this week ahead?” You’ll create a deeper connection and allow others to experience the benefits of gratitude. You can also start team meetings with a gratitude prompt.
3. Balance the negatives with the positives.
   We have a tendency to focus on what has gone wrong. Next time you’re discussing a situation with your team, take a moment to discuss what went well. And, when giving feedback, express appreciation for a value, trait or action the teammate provided that made a difference.
4. Send thoughtful appreciation notes out of the blue.
   Don’t wait for a big milestone to show your appreciation. Send short, unprompted emails to team members to recognize everyday efforts – whether it’s acknowledging their reliable work or calling out a specific skill set you’re glad they bring to the team.
5. Close on a high note.
   When ending a meeting, wrap it in a positive way. Acknowledge something that went well, something you appreciate about how the team is working, or something you’re looking forward to coming out of the meeting. Encourage your team members to do the same.