Five Tips for Creating Vibrant Organizations that Practice Gratitude and Appreciation.

Pam Brandon
How's Your Gratitude Attitude?

It's that season of thoughtful reflection on our walk with living a life of thanksgiving, appreciation, and gratefulness. For me, it's a journey that I continue to grow with and through as life changes.  

We all know change is inevitable - goodness, look what changes we've all experienced in the last several years! To embrace a grateful attitude or Gratitude Attitude takes intentional, constant effort. Here are some practices that work for me: 

  1. When I awake each morning, I set my mind on 3 things for which I'm grateful. My focus has been on the small things because they are of utmost importance, aren't they? 
  2. Before I start my work day, I remind myself of how grateful I am for:
    • The experiences I had in my life which led to the work I do
    • Learning something new every day that can help others
    • Working alongside amazing, passionate people who care deeply for the well-being of others
    • Leading a team that shares my passion and has helped me in immeasurable ways, think outside the box, and make a positive difference in the world 
    • Drawing from failures and successes, and be thankful for both    

  3. Throughout the day, I shift my lens to gratitude; even when challenges arise, work gets super stressful, and my to-do list gets longer. Yet, I'm grateful to embrace it all, allowing me to grow. 


So what is the key to creating a vibrant organization of gratitude and appreciation?  
  • Practice it yourself! We've all heard the expression that you can't share anything you don't already have. Be intentional in expressing gratitude to team members, clients, partners, and collaborators -and do this often. 
  • Be mindful that gratitude and appreciation are for who that person is, not for the job they've done, which is recognition. We all need both, but gratitude and appreciation are about expressing care and compassion for the people around you. 
  • Make time as a team to talk about things not at all related to work. Share and care for others' personal lives without being intrusive. When employees share, it's because they want to and feel comfortable doing so - be grateful for this level of trust!
  • Be okay with dropping off the gratitude attitude once in a while. If you've built a team of compassionate and caring people, they will lift others up and give them space when needed. 
  • Lastly, remember that an attitude of gratitude within your organization is contagious. Others outside your organization will feel the difference. 

Do you know that science has proven that people who express gratitude and appreciation have higher levels of serotonin? Serotonin is the happy neurotransmitter! Chemical changes occur in our brains and bodies when we receive and express gratitude and appreciation. 

Leaders can make substantial positive differences in their teams by practicing gratitude attitudes!

Please join me this holiday season in expressing gratitude for your families, co-workers, colleagues, and all the others we work with who have a passion and heart for those we serve.