Everyone wants and deserves a high five
Recognition and gratitude enhance confidence and team dynamics
When was the last time you received a gratitude note from someone, whether that be by written note, text, voice note, or face to face?
How did it make you feel in the moment? And then how did it feel after you received it and processed it?
One of the core practices of my coaching and teachings is gratitude and recognition notes.
We all want to be seen, heard and validated for our actions, our energy and everything that we are. The biggest disconnect is that we are always seeking it from the outside in, so when we do indeed receive authentic and genuine gratitude, sometimes we miss it completely because we don’t have the space from within to receive it.
Integrating recognition and gratitude into your business’ culture has a lot of value. Period.
Everyone, including yourself, wishes there was a little more celebration about the work that’s done, the energy that makes up the individual, what they bring to the dynamic of the team and space, and so much more. A short gratitude note goes a really long way. It builds trust and respect. It builds communication bridges between the team. It also enhances and encourages confidence.
Here are a few easy activities that you can put into practice immediately to integrate recognition and gratitude into your culture.
At your next team meeting, start with a round of verbal gratitude. Ask each person to go around the table and state one thing they are proud of or celebrating at this moment in time (giving self recognition first is crucial to learning how to receive it). And then have them share appreciation towards one person on the team for an action that supported them.
Have your team write a thank you note to someone on the team and have them hand it to that person whenever they feel is the right time.
As a leader of the business and team, create a new ritual to write one gratitude note to someone from your team every day and give it to them or put it in their mailbox (or email inbox). This practice also will show you that no one can do anything on their own and will give more appreciation to everyone you work with. It will also remind you of each person’s strengths and how to use this info as an advantage to build up the team’s dynamic and work ethic together.
High five someone when they did something that supported, helped you or made you feel seen.
In situations where someone has made a mistake, use this as a moment of recognition to see if it is a learning experience and an opportunity to learn. Recognition and gratitude doesn’t only apply to the bright shining moments!
Not sure where to start with printing gratitude notes? Here is a set of 3 cards that you can download and use over and over!
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