5 Microsteps to Help You Bring Gratitude and Compassion Into Your Company Culture
Tips to help you better connect with your team and show your appreciation.
When it comes to expressing gratitude, many leaders have some room for improvement. According to one study, 59% of employees say they have never had a boss who “truly appreciates” them. In another study, 53% of respondents said they would stay longer at their company if they felt more appreciated. So when leaders do show gratitude, it makes a difference at both the individual and organizational levels: according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania, when leaders are grateful to their employees, those employees are 50 percent more successful.
If you’re looking for small ways to cultivate a workplace that celebrates gratitude and connection, try these Microsteps to get started:
Before discussing work with team members, ask how they’re doing.
Showing teammates respect and interest in their personal lives increases emotional well-being and boosts happiness. You can also use this time to express your gratitude or ask a team member how you can better support them.
Take a moment to celebrate a team member’s accomplishment.
There’s power in celebrating our small wins — and by taking time to highlight someone else’s recent accomplishment, you’re able to set the stage for an environment of gratitude and joy.
Practice active listening.
Resist the urge to share advice or propose a “solution” when someone on your team is sharing something vulnerable, even if your intention is to be helpful. A study published in the International Journal of Listening shows that when people were met with active listening, they felt more understood than participants who received advice.
Express your gratitude at the beginning of your next meeting.
Expressing gratitude toward your team members and thanking them for their contributions is a great habit for compassionate leaders to build. In fact, showing gratitude can lead to greater motivation and improved performance while assuring people that they matter.
Schedule a regular touch-base for your team.
Simply checking in regularly can be a powerful way to show team members you care about what they’re working on and what’s on their mind. You could even use this time to integrate another positive habit, like a meditation or gratitude exercise.