The Link between Gratitude and Appreciation
With all the talk on appreciating employees, I’d like to point out a thing that most people don’t talk about —
That appreciating employees doesn’t happen in a meaningful or genuine way unless you actually feel GRATITUDE for them.
Simply saying “thanks” just because it’s the “right thing to do”, can backfire on you.
It can be CONFUSING. The employee wanders, “Thanks for what? What do you like about what I do?”
It can be HOLLOW. Whether it’s because you micromanage, constantly point out their mistakes, or make any other common management mistakes. Actions speak louder than words.
Want to develop a culture of appreciation? Start with your own gratitude.
Before every one-on-one meeting, consider why you’re grateful for the person you’re about to meet with. Even if this person is making 50 mistakes a week. They’re likely doing 200 things right. You just aren’t focused on those.
At the end of every one-on-one meeting, tell the person specifically why you’re thankful for them. Expressing gratitude with appreciative language gives you a rush that helps you to the good in yourself. (Not to even mention the dopamine that’s released for the receiver.)
Write down what you're grateful for. Don’t make this complicated. Take a few notes on the date in your calendar or write one line in your notebook a day. It will start a virtuous cycle that will lead to more natural appreciation.
