Teamwork - What’s Gratitude Got to Do With It?

Happy November! The start of the holiday season is upon us. Although that can be a cause for celebration and joy, it can bring dread to the workplace or even your living space.

The typical end-of-the-year push to finish projects before holiday vacations kick in can put a damper on morale. Everyone wants all of the things, all of the time, and there seems to be less and less of it!

Of course there’s no way to make more time during this race to the finish.

But what if that time could be more productive and less stressful? That’s where gratitude and teamwork come in! 

No, you don’t have to write a list of everything you’re thankful for and share it with your coworkers, friends, or loved ones.

But you can take a few seconds before asking for a favor to appreciate someone’s efforts. Even the little things are not too small to appreciate. When a coworker delivers on a task, send a simple, genuine, thank you. 

Add a few minutes of gratitude to your team meetings to boost morale and encourage peak performance.

If you’re asking for a favor that’s large, then expressing your appreciation for the person and their willingness to take on the task can make a big difference. Not only can that boost morale, but it can lower stress levels and be good for your heart. It’s even scientifically proven. 

Before everyone goes their separate ways, give a few parting words of a job well done. Encourage those you’re working with by sharing memories of time that you all came together in difficult circumstances. Express them in person, a quick email, or a team blog.

It’s important to remember that during stressful seasons where time is limited and the expectation to perform is even higher, gratitude can be the glue that keeps your people together.

Whether it’s your sister or your supervisor, your brother or your boss, bringing out the grouch inside isn’t going to bring out the best performance. 

Put the grouch to sleep and let your gratitude shine. The people you’re working with will appreciate this and you’ll be more likely to have strong performance through to the finish line. 

Not sure where to start? Here’s an idea from one of our gratitude posts. If you need help, let us know. We’re happy to assist!