It’s the time of year in the US when we remember to give thanks for our many blessings. It’s a good practice, yet, only one day a year to giving thanks seems hardly enough, considering the many benefits gratitude brings. I would venture to say that there is nothing that gives a higher ROI than practicing gratitude. Research shows a strong correlation between gratitude and increased wellbeing not only for the individual but for all people involved:
- Gratitude improves the health of your brain, and heart.
- Gratitude boosts your immune system.
- Gratitude increases your level of happiness.
- Gratitude creates a positive work environment.
- Gratitude increases productivity.
Now, if gratefulness is to be the most beneficial, it has to be expressed. Since gratitude is scientifically proven to enhance health and make employees more productive, leaders would do well to express more gratitude in their workplace.
Leaders need to speak the language of gratitude daily, not only for the benefit of their business, but also for their own benefit. According to Wikipedia, gratitude means appreciation, acknowledgement, grace, gratefulness, honor, indebtedness, obligation, and thankfulness. It’s a feeling or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
For gratitude to do its good work it should be:
- Specific. Select someone for whom you are especially grateful and write a specific note to that person detailing the things for which you are thankful. Be specific about what he or she has done for you and how his or her actions have positively impacted you. If possible, arrange a time to meet with that person to read the note in person.
- Short. A few words of gratitude will have a greater impact on the brain than statements which are lengthy and wordy.
- Sincere. It has to come from the heart to be able to really inspire. People can tell if you are faking it, or if you are being authentic.
Don't just show your gratitude once a year during festivals or at annual appreciation dinners. Instead, build it into your daily and weekly plans and policies.
Remember. . .
There is a global hunger for gratitude. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Challenge yourself to start off today showing your gratitude to your employees, customers, friends and family. Count your blessings not only on this special gratitude week, but every day!
Share words of gratitude today and every day!
Photo via Flickr by Margaret Almon