How Gratitude Makes Effective Leaders
The act of showing gratitude to others for the contributions they’ve made to your business or to your life is a fundamental step to becoming the kind of person others want to spend time with. Our appreciation for others needs to be intentional rather than a routine “thank you.” Intentional gratitude makes for more effective leaders. Let’s look at a few examples of how to show intentional gratitude.
Gratitude as a Sales Strategy
Make a plan to regularly visit with current customers, either in person or over a zoom call, with the intent of expressing appreciation for their business. Then ask how you can improve your service. This will certainly differentiate you from other competitors. As the business grows, it is the relationships that develop between you and your clients that will create long-term success. One of the cornerstones of building a solid relationship is being intentional. Expressing appreciation in an intentional way lets others know how much their business really means.
Gratitude as a Retention Tool
Attracting and keeping a strong, committed workforce is especially difficult for small businesses. Following countless hours of interviews trying to learn what motivates people, very high on that list is to feel appreciated. Don’t bother with gold stars or loyalty pins. Instead, say “thank you” and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Letting people know they matter can make all the difference.
Gratitude as an Ego Antidote
An over-active ego can have a negative impact on business. It’s both destructive and avoidable. The Arbinger Institute is a global training and consulting firm that helps businesses achieve breakthrough results by shifting from a self-focus to an others-inclusive focus. Showing gratitude to others impacts everyone around you.
Gratitude as a Sleep Aid
The connection between a good night’s sleep and maintaining good health has been proven time and again. Neuroscientist and psychologist Dr. Tamsin Aston suggests that developing a habit of gratefulness at the end of each day can be a powerful sleep aid. And it doesn’t need to be complicated. A few quiet moments reflecting on the blessings in your life will help quiet a restless mind.
As a CEO, it may be time to start thinking like the CTO – Chief Thanking Officer. Make it a point to show appreciation and thankfulness to staff and clients who have done something out of the ordinary. Or, they show up for you time and again. Remember, being grateful should always be intentional rather than routine. Realizing that the world does not revolve around you makes you the kind of person others want to champion. We at Caja Holdings would like to use this opportunity to sincerely say “THANK YOU” to each of our clients. Your confidence in our staff and our service is what motivates us daily.