Life Health Solutions -14 December 2023
As the year draws to a close, it is the opportune time for leaders to pause and reflect. This practice serves as an excellent starting point for cultivating gratitude in leadership. Acknowledging both the hurdles and triumphs of the past year can create a sense of accomplishment and lay the groundwork for a more resilient and growth-oriented leadership approach.
How leaders can express gratitude
Expressing gratitude extends beyond personal development and flows through to team dynamics, creating a positive ripple effect within the organisation. Those who lead with gratitude help to create an environment of collaboration and trust, which can in turn encourage employee engagement and motivation. Here are a few ways to show your gratitude at work.
- How about a round of applause?
Acknowledge individual and team achievements publicly, highlighting specific contributions. Personalised recognition shows that leaders are attentive to the unique strengths and efforts of their team members.
- Put it into words
Take the time to pen a simple, heartfelt thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for a job well done, a successful project or a team effort. To build on this, consider establishing an employee-recognition programme that rewards the work of high-performing employees.
- Mark the occasion
Celebrate both personal and professional milestones within the team. Whether it's birthdays, work anniversaries or deadlines met, creating a culture of celebration helps team members to feel a sense of belonging and appreciation at work.
- Create room for freedom
Recognise the effort your team puts in, and their responsibility and dedication, by offering flexibility or additional support during challenging times. This can include flexible work hours, wellness programmes or the hiring of extra resources for big projects so your core team doesn’t burn out.
- Professional development opportunities
Show gratitude by investing in the growth and development of your team. Providing opportunities for skills training, workshops and conferences communicates your commitment to their professional advancement.
- Stay curious when listening
Actively listen to your team members. Taking the time to understand their concerns, ideas and feedback is another way of showing that their opinions are valued and appreciated.
- Build stronger bonds
Organise team-building activities or outings to strengthen relationships, create a positive work environment and to say thank-you for their service. These activities can range from casual lunches to more structured team-building exercises.
- Share and connect
Express gratitude through transparent and open communication. Keeping your team informed about company goals, successes and challenges fosters a sense of trust and inclusivity.
- Create space for opinion
Acknowledge the expertise and insights of your team by actively seeking their input on important decisions. This not only shows gratitude for their skill sets but also empowers them to contribute to the overall success of the organisation.
Actively demonstrating your gratitude for your team has a positive effect on both business performance and company culture, helping to create a collaborative and motivated work environment. Why not commit to trying one of the nine suggestions above every week until the festive break, and see how it impacts your team?
Ready to start taking better care of yourself – and, as a result, your business? The Life Health Solutions Executive Wellness offering provides pre-emptive medical care and health services to Africa’s top executives, including access to our world-class Executive Wellness Clinic in Joburg. To find out more, email hello@lifehealthcare.co.za, call (+27) 86 123 4123 to speak to one of our business development managers, or visit our website.
