Deal in Gratitude

In these trying economic times, many of us are feeling strapped for cash and concerned about our financial future.  It strikes me that, now more than ever, other forms of capital may become even more valuable.  I’m not talking about cryptocurrency, gold or running up credit card debt.  I’m talking about things like social capital and, most importantly, gratitude.

Last year, I had the privilege to meet the inimitable, Michele Bailey, CEO of The Blazing Group, a brand and culture agency, and author of “The Currency of Gratitude:  Turning Small Gestures into Powerful Business Results.”  The beauty of Michele’s approach is that it enables us to achieve wild business success while acknowledging the worth and value of others through the exchange of gratitude. I find this concept downright inspirational! 

Are you struggling with employee engagement, focus, or productivity?  How about retention of top talent?  Gratitude can help address these challenges within your company by ensuring that your team feels seen, heard and valued for their contributions and performance.  What about brand awareness and connection or customer satisfaction and loyalty?  Gratitude can improve performance of these outward-facing challenges, too, by expressing appreciation to your clients for their interest, commitment and loyalty to your products and services.

In her book, Michele says, “incorporating gratitude into your practice is a step-by-step process.  You don’t need a mission statement in order to get going.  Just get going.”  To do so, establish gratitude goals and add them to your daily routine. Start by taking these actions:

  1. Consider your individual contributions as a leader and apply them to the way to interact with others.  Think of your answers to questions like:
    • What do you value most?
    • What do you want to be known for?
    • How do you define personal and professional success?
    • How do you add value to people who are placed in your life?
    • What one thing can you do/start today that will enhance your personal brand?

  2. Write down up to three gratitude goals.  Hold yourself accountable and stay on track by making your goals SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.  When you document your goals you are 42 percent more likely to achieve them.  An example of such a goal might be to express direct and pointed appreciation to each of your team members at least once per month beginning today.

  3. Identify up to three short-term objectives or actionable tasks to reach each goal.  An example of one of these short-term objectives could be to write one handwritten thank you note to a colleague each week thanking them for their involvement and insights on a project.  This effort will result in a virtuous cycle that showers your colleague, yourself and others around you with positivity and genuine appreciation.

Remember, incorporating gratitude into your daily practices will create powerful, long-lasting connections and alliances that money cannot buy!  It will result in goodwill, it will energize you, and it will help you to achieve boundless success.

With appreciation to Michele Baily and “The Currency of Gratitude,” Happy Networking!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *