5 Gratitude Strategies to Energize Your Team Today

Gratitude energizes.

Unspoken appreciation drains vitality.

Think of gratitude as pouring energy into others. Image of a horse running in the sunlight.

10 reasons leaders struggle to show gratitude:

#1. Expectations. Great results translate into more to do. There’s no appreciation in some cultures for doing a great job.

#2. Pressure. Crisis-mode eliminates appreciation. You don’t have time to thank others when you’re constantly sinking.

#3. Problems. Leaders tend to focus on problems. You can’t say thanks when all you see are problems.

#4. Greed. You’re ungrateful because you want more. Perhaps if you appreciate what you have you will get more.

#5. Inequity. Why should you thank those who do less than you?

#6. Complaining. Words create focus. Negative talk blinds people to positives.

#7. False humility. When you honor someone, they say, “It was nothing.” Or “I didn’t do much.”

#8. Entitlement. You can never show enough gratitude to people who need affirmations constantly.

#9. Dark history. Negative experiences with a person cause you to doubt their sincerity.

#10. Fear of favoritism. Some don’t express appreciation for fear of causing jealousy in others.

When teams don’t receive gratitude, they tend not to give it.

5 gratitude strategies you can use today:

#1. Ask teammates, “What could I do to show I appreciate you, your results, efforts, and dedication? Take notes.

#2. Begin meetings with short thank-you sessions.

#3. Schedule thank-you-note meetings. The sole purpose of the meeting is to write thank-you notes to teammates and colleagues.

#4. Practice drive-by appreciation. Stop into an office, say a good word and walk away.

#5. Honor character, not just results.

  • “Your enthusiasm is encouraging.”
  • “I can count on you. Thanks for being reliable.”
  • “I respect your dedication, even if results fell short.”

Don’t call a big meeting to complain about lack of gratefulness. Express thankfulness in small ways today.

Would it be dreadful if people said you’re the most thankful leader they know?

Which of the above ideas interest you most?

What could you add to the positive strategies listed above?

Dig deeper:

Gratefulness isn’t about Rose-Colored Glasses – the Real Practice of Gratitude

4 Surprising Times to Express Gratitude

Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity (Emmons)

7 Gratitude Questionnaires and Scales that Scientists Use (Positive Psychology)

The Science of Gratitude (berkeley.edu)

Category : Leadership Development