Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it is the one day where families and friends come together to eat, pray and be thankful for one another. But should it be limited to just one day a year? We should maintain an “attitude of gratitude” all year long, right?
The answer is a resounding YES! The research team of McCollough and Emmons found that individuals who practice daily appreciation have higher levels of optimism, energy and enthusiasm about their work.
Here are some examples of when you should thank your colleagues, and how to show your appreciation:
- When your team hits departmental goals, whether it is a sales quota, customer satisfaction or safety objectives
- Your team finishes a project before deadline
- One of your colleagues goes above and beyond to help you
- Someone covers for you while you take a leave of absence
- Your team recognizes your birthday, work anniversary or the birth of a child
- When you retire or leave an organization
So, how can you integrate appreciation into your daily work life? Here are seven simple, yet effective ways to turbo-charge your team building efforts!
- Take a few minutes before a meeting to share something positive that happened in the last 24 hours. It does not have to be over the top, just something you are grateful for. Encourage others to do the same.
- Once a week, compile a personal, handwritten “Thank You” note to a co-worker for something he or she completed for you.
- Buy a book and write a note of appreciation inside the front cover, and send it to a co-worker’s home. In the note, explain what you are grateful for and why the relationship is so important.
- Invite your co-workers to lunch and call it an “appreciation” meal.
- Mattel Corporation has a “Rave Review” program, where employees recognize and thank one another with an e-certificate. The company also offers a Chairman’s Award for exceptional senior management. Consider implementing something like this at your office.
- Always remember to cc the boss when giving someone praise.
- Write a personal recommendation or endorsement for someone on LinkedIn.
Showing appreciation for your co-workers helps strengthen the bond between everyone. It also opens up communication and makes you feel like you are doing something positive for the office. As Mary Kay Ash once said, everyone likes to be acknowledged for his or her efforts!
Thank you for reading this blog post and for considering Fun Team Building as you move through the remainder of this year and the next! Happy Thanksgiving!
Fun Team Building is based in Atlanta, Ga., and specializes in team activities and exercises that bring co-workers and management together, in an effort to appreciate each other more. Give owner, Larry Lipman, a call at 770-333-3303 to learn how Fun Team Building can help your organization thrive!