Accessing the Power of Appreciation
If you want to drive business outcomes and elevate your culture, then the power of gratitude at work cannot be underestimated.
Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive attitude contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance, and a higher sense of well-being.
But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, it still can be difficult to sustain. So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking. And for gratitude to meet its full potential at work, it needs to become more. The intention to appreciate others can give us a new perspective on life and work that ideally becomes a daily habit.
That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving recognition for our colleagues’ contributions, we key up future opportunities to maximize their potential.
Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things are whitewashed or ignored. It’s more a matter of where we put our focus and attention.
In the midst of constant change and uncertainty, accessing the power of appreciation contributes to a high-performing work culture.
Beyond work, individuals can start practicing more gratitude at home.
Some Ways to Practice Gratitude
When I had cancer 25 years ago, I felt depressed and anxious. The best thing I did to counteract the anxiety was to keep a gratitude journal. My practice was to find 3 things a day to appreciate. When I looked, there were plenty of ways I was blessed in the midst of a cancer crisis….I had fresh air to breathe, a warm home, and loving friends and family.
Other ideas to get into gratitude:
• Make a game of finding the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.
• When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.
• Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, express thanks for gratitude.
• Make a gratitude vision board by drawing or pasting pictures.
• Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your nighttime routine.
Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way.
As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you can feel.
When you thank colleagues at work for their unique contributions and efforts, then you will notice a positive shift in your work environment. Old grudges may dissolve, your highest performers will engage more, and your employees will become your biggest ambassadors.
Find one person a day to thank at work. Appreciate their signature qualities, such as always coming to meetings with a smile and positive attitude, or their incredible organization of projects and meeting tight deadlines.
When you appreciate others, you’ll win as you personally experience a stronger sense of fulfillment and joy.
Photo Cred & Appreciation Idea: Buy a coffee mug for your favorite “Chaos Coordinator”.