Nov 27 - Is your gratitude a differentiator? Do you embrace the power of a simple thank you, or job well done? Do you extend appreciation on a regular basis to family, friends, co-workers, team members, contractors, vendors, and the marketplace? Do you take the time to write notes of appreciation, and let people know what they mean to you? Do you take time to acknowledge and recognize what is going well and running smoothly, or are you only focused on vocalizing what is wrong or not working?
When genuine gratitude is felt and expressed, it is a powerful engager of spirit, commitment and loyalty. When someone feels appreciated, even amidst challenges and areas in need of improvement, there is a great willingness to do whatever is necessary to be successful. One of the biggest reasons a customer leaves is not feeling appreciated. One of the most stated reasons an employee, contractor or supplier disengages is not feeling valued or appreciated. One of the greatest challenges in most relationships is a feeling of not being valued or appreciated being felt or reciprocated by another person.
Take an MM&I Moment this Thanksgiving week to awaken to all the people in your life and work to whom you are grateful. Make a list of everything that has gone well over the most recent weeks or months and then list who has been instrumental in these successes being realized? Who are you potentially taking for granted who has made your life or work easier or less stressful? Who has areas that need to be improved, yet have also been contributing in valuable ways in other areas of your life or work? Genuine gratitude is a true facilitator for even better outcomes because too often people tend to focus on what isn’t going as desired, versus what has been working well. Gratitude is a differentiator. Gratitude is empowerment.
Here are some fascinating statistics related to gratitude on the work front and the personal front:
- A Harvard Business Review survey found that 59% of employees have never had a boss who appreciated them.
- In a Glassdoor survey, 53% of employees stated they would stay longer at a company if they felt more appreciated.
- Employee recognition research disclosed that 83% of employees would be more satisfied with a simple “thank you” for their daily efforts and accomplishments with only 33% of employees receiving recognition for work on a weekly basis. The same study stated 40% of employees be encouraged to do more work if receiving recognition for work they are currently doing.
- According to a Blueboard Report, 67% of employees don’t feel appreciated or recognized for their work.
- According to a Harvard Health study, gratitude towards romantic partner makes the person happier, and couples who show gratitude for their partner, and express gratitude regularly, feel more positively towards their partner.
- According to a University of Berkley study, gratitude may make our romantic relationships closer and more satisfying, encourage us to feel more invested in friendships, and even cause us to be more helpful coworkers.
Wide Awake Quote of the Week
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” – Zig Ziglar
Yours in dreaming WIDE awake,
