Some companies spend fortunes on paying consultants to think up ways to boost profits and make their top brass happy. But all they really need is one word: gratitude.
Gratitude is good for business and what’s good for business is great for executives and managers.
But how can a simple thank-you have the power to improve growth? And how do you do it properly?
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Well, the power comes from creating a company ethos that recognises and rewards talent and hard work.
This ethos will quickly define an organisation as one worth joining, one that treats all of its employees with respect and – from the point of view of existing and potential customers and clients – one worth having a relationship with.
Of course, some CEOs and directors feel uncomfortable calling out the, sometimes seemingly, insignificant things employees do.
But like yodelling and naked yoga, doing it properly and without embarrassment comes naturally after just a little practice.
And the more you express gratitude, the more natural and subconscious it becomes.
This can be as simple and easy as acknowledging someone for their tip top work as you pass in the corridor or share the lift.
Even such small signals can very quickly have an accumulative impact on overall happiness in the workplace.
That’s because letting your staff know they’re doing well helps them grow in confidence and increases their overall job satisfaction.
And happy workers mean higher productivity . . . and a bottom line stronger than the Hulk’s buttocks.
If you want your thank-yous to be even more effective think about company-wide recognition for a job well done.
Whether it’s through group emails or an office noticeboard, pay tribute to your team members’ accomplishments.
Remember saying thank-you isn’t always about offering incentives to motivate employees – aka dangling carrots.
Beyond raises, bonuses, perks and gift vouchers, it’s often the simplest – and least expensive – touches that make the biggest difference.
This could be a personal, handwritten card with a few kind words, which shows you’ve gone beyond firing off a quick email.
Similarly, a small gift that shows you’ve listened to and recognised a staff member’s passion is far more meaningful than a token.
So, if Dave from Sales & Development loves cars, a day out at Knockhill Racing Circuit or a subscription to Big Trucks Magazine will mean much more than a voucher for M&S.
Finally, the best thank-you is making time to talk about a colleague’s career.
Far more important than anything else is the opportunity for growth and development. So, if you really want to see the power of a thank-you at work, say thanks by mentoring, advising and helping employees to find confidence and seek new challenges.
Thank you: two little words that go a very long way. And just one word that could take your career a long way is s1jobs, home of the best Executive & Management roles.