Why gratitude makes you a better manager?

By Wendy Woods

Makes you more empathetic.  People with a strong disposition toward gratitude have the capacity to be empathic and to take the perspective of others (McCullough, Emmons, & Tsang, 2002). Empathy is one of the skills required for Emotional Intelligence which accounts for 80% of success at work.

Leads to greater optimism and positive emotions within your team.  Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions and optimism (Emmons & McCullough, 2003) which is easily transferred to others by mood contagion (Roland Neumann,2000)

Leads to greater employee loyalty. In 2001 Michael McCullough found that interactions that involved an expression of gratitude encouraged the other person to behave in a loyal manner.  In a recent survey carried out by Susan M. Heathfield, fifty-five percent of the respondents said that praise and attention from their supervisor would make them feel as if the company cared about them and their well-being.

Quick & simple ways to express gratitude to your employees:

Say thank you every opportunity you get.  It seems like such an obvious expression of gratitude but it’s often forgotten or overlooked. Employees tell me time and again that all they want from their boss, and colleagues, is a simple thank you. Make sure everyone hears those words from you often.

Praise their contributions. Everyone appreciates genuine praise regardless of their position and level of success. Make sure your employees know you are grateful for their contributions; don’t keep them wondering.

Let employees know that their work contributes to the organization’s overall success. The need to feel connected to a larger cause is very important to most employees.  Believing that “the mission or purpose of my company makes me feel my job is important” is a primary motivator, according to the authors of 12: The Elements of Great Managing by James Harter and Rodd Wagner.

“Gratitude is the best attitude.”  ~ Author Unknown