Leaders are always looking for ways to increase employee engagement. They spend time designing ways their employees can have more positive interactions. Even more, leaders want to help their employees become more resilient. For that reason, establish habits of gratitude to improve these things and thereby improve your leadership presence.
When leaders are thankful, they are more likely to be considered approachable and encouraging. These things are necessary for effective networking and attracting, or retaining, top talent. It is hard for employees to feel demotivated or discouraged when leaders have a habit of gratitude. Furthermore, having a habit of gratitude allows you to embrace your accomplishments. Even more, gratitude keeps your ego in check because practicing gratitude reminds you that without the assistance of others, you wouldn’t be successful.
Technology can help build a habit of gratitude by merely setting a reminder on your calendar. Set the reminder for an hour after you arrive to work, or an hour before leaving. It is important to note that starting is easy. However, as you continue, it may get more complicated and require more thought. Don’t allow the difficulty to turn into procrastination. For that reason, scheduling is crucial, so pick the best time of day for you.
If you are ready to realize the power gratitude can have on your leadership presence and effectiveness, here are habits to add to your daily routine.
Build a habit of gratitude by scheduling daily gratitude breaks
The first step in building a habit of gratitude is to schedule gratitude breaks every day. During this time, think about people who have made an impact on you. Send them a random note of thanks. This act of thoughtfulness will likely make their day. Try to be specific and genuine, people quickly detect fake gratitude, and you don’t want to come across as disingenuous. Be specific, be genuine, and express gratitude daily to improve your leadership presence.
Celebrated the less celebrated to improve your leadership effectiveness
Every company has its superstars, and that isn’t a bad thing. However, you don’t want to always shine the light on them. Spread the gratitude around to those working in the shadows. Recognize the supporting roles that help fuel the superstars. The less celebrated are tomorrow’s superstars and they will remember the gratitude you gave them. Celebrating the less celebrated improves your leadership presence and establishes you as an inclusive leader.
Write a hand-written note as part of your habit of gratitude
The power of a hand-written note is exponentially better in our digital world. They are random and usually wholly unexpected; as a result, they will undoubtedly make someone feel special. Notecards are an inexpensive way to show someone you are grateful for the impact they have on you. Add hand-written notes to your gratitude habit at least once a week. It will be memorable and improves your leadership effectiveness.
Public praise improves leadership effectiveness
Expressing gratitude for someone publicly creates positive and electrifying energy. It fires everyone in attendance up. Expressing gratitude in public is contagious and is the best way to model a grateful nature. Offering public praise increases morale, motivation, and engagement. Futhermore, it renews the team’s comitment to you and the organization. As a result, public praise improves your leadership presence and effectiveness.
Saying “please” and “thank you” improves your leadership presence
Manners are fundamental for a strong leadership presence. Saying “please” and “thank you,” lays a strong foundation for a positive relationship. For that reason, a habit of gratitude starts with saying these things regularly. As people are wrapping up their day and heading home, saying “thank you for everything you did today” is the best way for someone’s day to end. This habit of gratitude is simple, powerful, and will improve your leadership presence.
It is rare for workplace culture to express gratitude. It’s time to create a new normal. A culture of gratitude improves employee retention because people will want to stay at an organization where they are seen, heard, and their contributions are appreciated and recognized. Everyone wants to walk around with a sign around their kneck that says, “I’m special.” Hang that sign on someone by building a habit of gratitude.
Last updated on June 3rd, 2020 at 03:33 am
