With Thanksgiving last week in America, there has been a real focus on gratefulness, the lessons of which can be applied to any one in business. Here are a few lessons on gratitude that can be applied to any managers:
1. Grateful managers are happy managers. To be successful in business, you have to enjoy the ride. While you’ll experience the highest of high’s and the lowest of low’s, you can’t allow your emotions to get too high or too low. The key is to be happy and enjoy the ride.
2. Grateful managers recognise the talents in others. The best managers are self-aware and recognise that one of the keys to their success will be to surround herself with team members that are more talented and/or smarter than them. If you’re grateful, you’ll look to recognise the talents of others; you’ll appreciate the talents of others rather than feel threatened by them.
3. Grateful managers give credit where credit is due. The best managers and leaders are willing to take the blame when disasters occur, yet willingly heap praise on others when successes occur. Employees and team members want to feel appreciated and recognised for their efforts — especially if they have gone above and beyond to drive results. A grateful manager will defer the spotlight from themselves and shine it brightly on his/her team members.
4. Grateful managers will work tirelessly to drive results. If you’re a manager, you know that much of your success has come because of the help that you’ve received from others. The grateful manager will recognise those acts of kindness and will work tirelessly to show your appreciation and/or reward those acts of service. Even if the final outcome isn’t what you wanted, your supporters will recognise your effort and appreciate that you are not taking them for granted.