THE GIFT OF GRATITUDE

Gratitude is something we take very seriously at ProVantage and is something we should aim to give daily. Gratitude toward your co-workers and clients will go a long way in maintaining positive working relationships with those around you.

Showing gratitude falls directly in line with many of our Core Values, including Spirit of Excellence, We Before Me, and Grace Through Generosity.

Doing so can be challenging, but there’s one easy thing you can do — according to new research — that can boost your business results nearly 12 times over. Simply saying “thank you” for a job well done.

But with nearly all great things, there’s a catch. In this case, showing your appreciation takes a bit of skill. Doing it wrong can cause more harm than good. But before you take a vow of silence — never showing your gratitude again — read on.

Listed below are some quick tips on the art of saying thanks:

1. KNOW YOUR TEAM

How you show your gratitude depends upon the person receiving the praise.

Even though recognizing someone in front of their family or peers is incredibly powerful, making an introvert stand up in front of the whole company will make them want to curl up in a ball of mortification. Urge them to say a few words after you embarrassed them, and you’ve made the situation even worse. It’s not that you can’t say something nice about a shy person to a large group of people — they don’t want to perform.

For a people person, the opposite is true. In their case, the bigger and louder the praise, the better. Give them time to make a speech, and they’re over the moon.

Quick Tip:

The book “The 5 Love Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace,” by Gary Chapman and Paul White, mentions several ways to show gratitude. To best connect, find out which of these methods might apply to who you want to give thanks. These include:

• Words of Affirmation: Use words to communicate your appreciation. They can be written or spoken.

• Quality Time: A little individual time focused on them can go a long way for a team member who speaks this language.

• Tangible Gifts: For some people, a gift says it all. Remember, you don’t have to break the bank to show your appreciation. You’ll be amazed how many of your team members will get fired up over a T-shirt, Starbucks card, or movie tickets.

• Acts of Service: These team members feel appreciated when someone offers to help them.

• Physical Touch: Think a quick handshake, pat on the back, fist bump, or high five.

2. BE GENUINE

It doesn’t matter what type of personality you’re dealing with, if you are insincere in your praise, whether it be with introverts, extroverts, or someone who is a bit of both, it’s not worth much.

It doesn’t matter what type of personality you’re dealing with, if you are insincere in your praise, whether with introverts, extroverts, or someone who is a bit of both. It’s not worth much.

Cheap flattery says to the person that you are manipulative and lack integrity, which will destroy the connection.

Quick Tip:

Look for opportunities to catch people doing something right and brag on them. Every person on your team should hear positive words from you.

3. THE PEN IS MIGHTER THAN THE SWORD

Never underestimate the power of the written word. Make a habit of catching your teammates doing something right and send a thank-you card. You’ll be surprised by how many team members will keep these quick notes and may even hang them in a place of honor.

Quick Tip:

Calendar 30 minutes each week to write notes recognizing individual team members. And no matter how busy, stick to the schedule. The return on investment is well worth the time. Encourage your leaders to do the same.

4. GO PUBLIC

Your team members’ peers are important to them, and recognition in front of their colleagues and friends is powerful stuff. Imagine giving an award to one of them in front of your entire team. How good will they feel?

For even more effectiveness, brag on them to someone they care about, like a spouse or a parent. In just a few words, magic happens. Watch everyone from your newest team members to the most seasoned, long-time veterans beam.

By having an attitude of gratitude, you’ll show your team that you genuinely care and that they are valued. Once they know this, inspiring them takes little effort because they believe you value what they bring to the table every day.

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