I have a question. Yes, you could say that I am writing this because of the holiday we celebrated last week - speaking of, I hope yours was amazing! We listened to my youngest daughter's non-stop rendition of "Hey, I just met you, this is crazy...Happy Thanksgiving, now pass the gravy" but I digress...
Because I just participated in and completed, 3 days of giving, (it's a seriously cool website someone sent me that I have to say, is one of the best things I've seen in awhile) it got me to thinking about workplace cultures. (Day 1: I spent 3 hours with a dear friend I have not seen a long time, Day 2: I gave away several hundred dollars of household items to those in need and Day 3: I gave money to buy my Mom a new door for her home) Tomorrow, is Giving Tuesday, so it's the perfect time to start.(http://ilikegiving.com) Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes! So here's the question - Does your organization encourage a culture of gratitude? Not in an obligatory (and fear-tinged), “In this economy you’d better be grateful just to have a job, buddy!” way, but in a, “Gee, I really appreciate my co-workers and the feeling is mutual!” way? Or how about a culture of giving? Chances are the answer is no. According to a recent Gallup poll, 65% of people say they don’t feel appreciated at work. And that feeling quickly leads to pervasive negativity, low morale, and (worst of all) decreased productivity. Companies can deliberately infuse their cultures, from top to bottom, with the proverbial “attitude of gratitude.” In fact, those who don’t put gratitude on a pedestal, especially in today’s high-stress work environments, are shooting themselves in the foot. But what if gratitude & giving were commonplace in the workplace? What impact would that have on well-being, relationships, cooperation, stress, creativity, performance and productivity? START HERE! 1.)SAY AND RECEIVE THANK YOU - A LOT! Thank those you serve and those who serve you. When someone does something kind for you, whether it’s your boss, your co-worker, or a stranger, recognize it! A simple “thanks” will do. You can’t expect people to appreciate you if you don’t receive their kindnesses and compliments with thankfulness. TIP: The more you give, the more you receive. 2.) CREATE A WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGN As the market for corporate philanthropy grows ever more crowded, companies are looking to get more value from their giving, and that's a good thing! Today, companies are aligning their CSR and community involvement efforts with their business strategies and working to engage the workforce with their goals in meaningful ways. Vote on a local charity that your team or organization matches up with and that makes sense. In that way, everyone will feel more passionate about getting involved and supporting it. 3.). IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU Gratitude is a two-way street. If you start making other people feel appreciated, nine times out of ten they will not be able to hold in their appreciation for you. You don’t have to wait for one of your leaders from on high to implement a gratitude initiative. It will be just as effective if it starts with you! I know from experience that the best places to work (and live) are places where teams are grateful for what is given to them and aren’t afraid to express sincere appreciation whenever it is merited.The best places to work are those where individuals, regardless of their position, accept compliments and praise with grace and don’t second-guess the intention and they GIVE more than they RECEIVE to each other, their customers, their families and their communities. Most of us have a lot to be grateful for every day. It’s important to recognize that - not just on a day when turkey is served. When you seek to expand both team and individual gratitude and graciousness, your work (and home) environment will be healthier. Relationships will be stronger and you will see negativity slip away. I can almost guarantee, you’ll see your efforts reflected in a little extra gravy to pass in the bottom line.
How will you create and initiate extreme gratitude in your workplace ?