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People Hacks That Make Others Feel Thankful For You

10 Leadership practices for being grateful:

By Jane Hundley, MA I/OPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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Leadership Practice #1

Pass the gratitude, please! Be thankful at work.

Sometimes we wonder how we are perceived if we are valued and appreciated. It is nice to not make anyone wonder about how you feel. Here are some reminders to create a climate of thankfulness with others.

Leadership Practice #2

Stop Speculating and Judging Most likely you don’t realize how much you are even doing it. We are often not mindful of it and its influence. It’s amazing how many really good intended people are just plain judgmental and critical — often, and sometimes constantly. Maybe that’s one reason they get a lot done because their continual displeasure or slight judgment means…things are not quite good enough, this CAN be better. That may be true, and it usually is.

Leadership Practice #3

Be thankful at work for those around you Assume the noblest motives. It is important to assume a higher motive and innocence of intent as much as possible. Understanding the basic selfish nature of man can guide you to work to provide for others needs. Assume a positive spirit of intent, then inquire and be curious.

Leadership Practice #4

Reach out and connect Make an effort to reach out and connect with loved ones, close friends, family, and acquaintances, and customers. Be friendly.

Leadership Practice #5

Support, engage, and mentor As you give of some of your talents and wisdom you’ll build relations of support and interest in career advancement.

Leadership Practice #6

Provide a safe space for others to be themselves If people feel they have to adjust their personality so much around them for you to be comfortable, then the climate will be strained. Try to sense others as safe as themselves around you.

Leadership Practice #7

Forgive transgressions- real or perceived This is a difficult practice for most people, even those religiously trained in methods. Studies show forgiveness is a component of acceptance and contributes to happiness.

Leadership Practice #8

Feel true empathy It’s not just a trendy word. Consider the feelings of others more.

Leadership Practice #9

Hold others as able When thinking about your boss, colleagues, and team members, hold them as ‘able’ in your mind’s eye, so you see them as growing their potential.

Leadership Practice #10

Make a list of what you are grateful for and reflect on those more often.

Be intentionally thankful at work as often as possible. It makes a big difference to yourself and others when you express gratefulness. Trouble is there is usually trouble to worry about. However, studies show that routinely keeping in mind what you are grateful for is a strong leadership practice that is inspiring.

Gratitude and appreciation are essential tools in the leader’s toolkit. People who feel appreciated are also better team players. Gratitude isn’t just about productivity. It’s vital for well-being and sustainability. Emmons found that gratitude “can lower blood pressure, improve immune function and facilitate more efficient sleep. Gratitude reduces lifetime risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders, and is a key resiliency factor in the prevention of suicide.

At its core, leadership is a relationship between two human beings: A leader and someone who chooses to follow. When humans express gratitude, the brain produces oxytocin, a hormone important to bonding. When you show gratitude to those you lead, they’ll become more bonded to you. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a bonus: Expressing gratitude doesn’t only benefit the recipient; it benefits the giver just as much.

.... Have you expressed gratitude to a coworker or direct report on your team recently? When was the last time? Have you thanked someone around you today?

self help
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About the Creator

Jane Hundley, MA I/O

LEADERSHIP PSYCHOLOGIST & EXECUTIVE COACH.

Jane is the author of The Power of Executive Personal Presence® and the founder of www.ImpactManagementUSA.com.

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