Does Gratitude Matter?

I recently was teaching a workshop on how to build emotional intelligence on teams. I made the participants write an actual thank you note to someone in their organization as an expression of appreciation. Like an old school one. Using pen and paper. I knew it might be a stretch. I gave a template for it to help out.

When I asked them how it felt, they said “kind of weird, why not just send a text?” 

Truth is, a text can also be a useful tool to say thank you. And a handwritten thank you note is also really lovely because it means you took the time to do it and because handwritten notes are so rare these days. I gave them 5 minutes to write the note - so it didn’t take long.

Some people think this is a “woo” kind of exercise. What I mean is maybe it feels new age-y or like one of those nice to haves but not really important enough to make a priority. But on the eve of one of my favorite holidays (Thanksgiving!) let’s talk about why it’s a foundational practice, and not just a nice-to-have practice.

For You (and for me too)

I love Fall, and I struggle with the time change too. A combination of a consistent Vitamin D deficiency and low light outside can really take a toll on my mental health - sometimes known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (Or the very appropriate acronym SAD). So, I was elated to learn that there is something I can do about it - research shows that individuals who regularly practice gratitude have a 25% reduction in symptoms of depression (Wood & Maltby). 

If you have trouble falling asleep, doing something like keeping a gratitude journal right before bedtime is associated with a 15% increase in sleep quality and duration (Jackowska, Brown & Steptoe).

The Surgeon General of the United States has identified loneliness as an epidemic. But! Individuals who cultivate gratitude have a 20% increase in feelings of social connectedness! (Algoe, Gable & Maisel)

Now that we have the stats and research (cause I’m a nerd), here are some things to consider. First, how do you feel when you’re appreciated? If someone gives you a genuine complement about what you bring, the value of your perspective, or just a thank you for the work you’ve done, how does that affect your day? Now, how does it feel when you do the same for someone else? Turns out, giving recognition can be just as beneficial as receiving it, sometimes more so.

Next, if you’re like me and sometimes think in an “all or nothing” mindset, noting those items daily that you’re grateful for can be a useful way to pick out the positive parts of your day. So, I can be grateful for the play time I got with my dog today or a conversation with a friend, or time to just relax, or dinner with the family. By noting those things that I am grateful for in my day, I also find that it generally makes me happier and more content. 

There are also some days where I don’t feel grateful or have a hard time finding things to be grateful for, and in those moments, I go back to basics - I’m grateful for the smallest of things and that is helpful to navigate the darker days.

At its core, gratitude is a mindset that fosters a more positive outlook on life. When we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the people and experiences around us, it creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond personal satisfaction. 

Your Team

As a leader, expressing gratitude becomes a powerful tool for building strong, motivated teams.

Gratitude cultivates a culture of appreciation within an organization, reinforcing a sense of value among team members. When individuals feel seen and recognized for their contributions, they are more likely to be engaged and committed. This simple act of acknowledgment goes a long way in boosting morale and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Recognition doesn't have to be hard. It can be a simple text, it can be a simple ritual in a team meeting where you share the "wins" from the week. It doesn't have to be a formal program. Start a habit of appreciation and recognition on your team.

Guess what else? Practicing gratitude has a profound impact on emotional intelligence, a key trait for effective leadership (and a great tool for teams working better together). By regularly expressing appreciation, leaders develop (by acting their way into) empathy and strengthen their interpersonal relationships. This, in turn, leads to better communication, trust, and overall team cohesion. (sounds like winning all around!)

It's amazing that gratitude also serves as a resilience booster. In the face of challenges, leaders who maintain a grateful mindset are better equipped to navigate adversity with grace and composure. This resilience is infectious and inspires others to approach obstacles with a solutions-oriented mindset.

So take a minute. What are 5 things you’re grateful for right now?