*This week’s post is written by Katie Huey*
Leaders keep asking me, “It’s been a year, hasn’t it?”
I nod, knowing this year has brought challenges, fears, and frustrations to each of us.
This season of Thanksgiving won’t be the same as years past. Your worries are likely different. No team holiday potluck this year. People are feeling low about missing family feats. Or maybe they are planning road trips, and you’re worried about people being exposed to COVID over the holiday weekend.
You’re not sure what 2021 will bring and frankly, let’s say it, this sucks.
When I was fresh out of college, I took an AmeriCorps position at a non-profit working with youth aging out of foster care. One day, our Executive Director spoke to our team and told us something I’ll never forget,
Often, people are practiced at sharing what’s going wrong. Unfortunately, deficits, gaps, holes and not-enough-ness are necessary to qualify for services to meet basic needs. Too often, we’re programmed to focus on what’s missing to get noticed rather than recognize what is working.
She then encouraged our team to start check-ins with a simple question: What is going right today?
It may be tempting to focus on what went wrong this year. There’s the stress of keeping the business running with pandemic shut downs and we’re trying our best to stay connected using online tools. No one knows how long this uncertainty will last.
We can appreciate what is going right while still hoping things could be better.
Cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving in good years is easy. In challenging times? Expressing gratitude takes a little more practice.
Here are a few ideas you can try to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving with your team:
1. Make a list of what you are thankful for at work
Take a break and grab a pen. Make a list of what you are thankful for in your organization. Which standout employees are making a difference? How proud are you of your accomplishments? Making a list of what brings you joy at work can help you stay grounded. Share your responses with your team. When you lead with a vulnerable heart, this sets the stage for employees to follow, which can invite you to…
2. Learn what your employees are thankful for in their work
One-on-one meetings are essential to healthy workplaces. Rather than checking a box, use this time to explore engagement and satisfaction at work.
Try asking questions like:
What are you doing well?
What are you working to improve?
What roadblocks are in your way?
What support is working for you?
What about your work are you most thankful for?
These questions prompt employees to ponder which aspects of the job they enjoy and where they are thriving. They also uncover areas for improvement and perceived feelings of positive impact in their current roles.
If employees struggle to identify what they are thankful for, you can work together to create a plan to make work more rewarding. Encourage them to go back to point number one and make their own gratitude lists. If they feel comfortable, invite them to share their responses with you.
3. Express gratitude for employee’s efforts
With mixtures of personalities, preferences, and time available, you may feel unsure of how to express your thanks and appreciation to members of your team. This is even more complicated when working remotely.
Some folks love a good superlative, while others prefer to melt away rather than accept an award. Take the time to ask what makes your employee feel special and then really pay attention. What movies do they talk about? What candy sits by their monitor? What knick-knacks surround them in their space? Keep notes in their file or their contact info on your phone. Then, when you notice a standout action, send a small token of appreciation to their home office.
Too touchy-feely or out of budget? Write a heartfelt email and click send. Or better yet…
4. Say thank you with an authentic heart
My first job was a receptionist in a nail salon. I made appointments, put on jackets, and buckled folks into the driver’s seat so their nail polish wouldn’t smear. At the end of each day, the owner would tell me, “Thank you for your work today.” I always felt seen and appreciated when my boss would say thanks.
As an organizational gatekeeper, I’ve worked with colleagues who feel proud of their contributions, and still wish their bosses were more aware of how they navigate the frustrating parts of their roles. Employees want to be seen so pick up the phone and say, “Thank you for your work today,” with a sense of authentic appreciation.
(Psst*- Not the boss? Leaders want to hear this too.)
It takes time to see your people - especially when you aren’t working together like you used to. Try out these ideas. Pausing to reflect on what you are grateful for as a team can reenergize everyone to work on the goals you set out to accomplish.
If you’d like to brainstorm ideas or explore how to better support your team, let’s have a conversation.
Thank you for all the work you are doing to make the world a better place.
(See? Doesn’t it feel good to be appreciated?)
