Great Leaders Never Miss A Chance To Say Thankyou

Our teams need to hear just how grateful we really are

How often are you thanking people these days?

Today, what was the actual number of times you said “thanks!” to someone? Was it more than 5? More than 10?

During this time of incredible change and stress, it may be the most important thing that you will do as a leader, team member, family member, or friend.

Be thank-full.

For some, just getting out of bed each day is an achievement. Doing something of meaning and accomplishing it is worthy of praise.

Besides, you get the added benefit of seeing them smile, which will make your day go better.

Lesson to Learn

People rarely get enough praise for the work they do.

If we do thank them, they often don’t hear it unless we stop, pause, and repeat it. When we are thank-full to others, we are grateful for them.

This translates into being grate-full, which is a leading cause of joy and well being.

Getting out of our crisis-mode state and noticing what others do each day, even if it is their role and job, benefits everyone involved.

It is a crucial metric for leaders and teams during a crisis. It’s Crisis Leadership Lesson #1.

Answer for Me

I have been in crises before. Of course, like others, none like today’s worldwide pandemic and severe economic downturn.

I had it drilled into me that I need to notice even the small accomplishments of others.

A simple, genuine ‘thank you’ is worth its weight in gold.

When I am in a meeting, I try to thank individuals for even the smallest outcomes. Why?

They love it — and need it — so they can see meaning and forward progress during our challenges.

We all need to believe our efforts matter — even if just a little. I need to be a part of that positive future-focused approach.

Action

It’s simple — but often hard to do.

Give out thank yous like they are free — because they are.

Never miss an opportunity to acknowledge someone’s efforts — both small and large. When you are thank-full, they know you care.

When you are thank-full, it increases everyone’s gratefulness. It will make you smile — and them.

Daily Habit

Keep track of how many “thank yous” you give to others.

Keep score each day and try to out-do yourself the next day.

Smile when you thank others — it helps you and them!

Beware, you may enjoy it so much that you may need to add them up each hour, so you won’t forget how many you are giving out!

Be a thankful leader and let your team members know it.

To learn more about leadership visit me at www.macny.org.

To get a copy of my book Present-Future Leader, go to www.amazon.com.