by Coach Christy
Welcome to November! This time of year, brings to mind falling leaves, fourth-quarter objectives, and end-of-year tasks. November marks a season of gratitude. With Thanksgiving approaching, we’re reminded to “give thanks” this month but my question for you is this: Should gratitude be limited to a month-long tradition or a permanent mindset?
Gratitude as a Business Mindset
Gratitude, practiced as a consistent mindset, becomes more than a seasonal exercise – it turns into a powerful strategy. But what exactly is a mindset? Mindset is defined as “a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you interpret and respond to situations.” Essentially, mindset is the lens through which you view the world. Like a pair of eyeglasses, mindset creates our perception of the world and interprets daily images clearly (or not.) This lens shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which, in turn, influence the success of our goals.
By choosing a mindset of gratitude, you’re directly shaping your thoughts, emotions and behavior, which directly shape your interactions and overall business environment.
How does gratitude grow business?
- Increase Customer Retention
Customer loyalty is priceless. Showing appreciation to your existing customers—through thank-you notes, loyalty perks, or special discounts – reinforces their connection to your brand, leading to repeat business and valuable referrals. - Boost Employee Productivity
Gratitude drives productivity. A Harvard study shows a “thank you” from a supervisor can boost productivity by over 50%. When employees feel valued, they’re more engaged and motivated, creating a positive, high-performance culture. - Reduce Employee Turnover
Appreciated employees are loyal employees. Nearly 70% say they’d feel better about themselves if shown more gratitude, and 81% would work harder. Regular appreciation helps lower turnover, making your team stronger and more dedicated. - Build a Positive Culture
A gratitude-driven culture fosters healthy interactions and reduces conflict. As a business owner, you set this tone. A positive, appreciative culture promotes teamwork, making your workplace more supportive and cohesive. - Impact Your Community
Gratitude extends beyond business walls. Engaging with your community through support, donations, or local involvement builds goodwill and trust, strengthening your brand’s reputation and community bonds.
Example of Gratitude in the Workplace
I highly value new employees for the fresh perspective and feedback they bring to any organization. Recently, during a monthly Emotional Intelligence Training session, one new employee expressed to me with tears: “This is the first place I’ve worked in years where I’ve felt authentically appreciated and haven’t felt like a number. I found my community.” His managers shared that he is one of the highest-performing employees they’ve seen in years. This simple feedback underscores the value of a gratitude-driven environment – it fosters belonging and as a result, most employees want to give their best.
Turning Gratitude into a Daily Practice
While gratitude may start as a daily to-do list item, such as writing down ten things you’re grateful for, it can evolve into a lasting mindset with regular practice. Here’s some ways to incorporate gratitude into your business:
- Daily Acknowledgements: Start meetings with a moment of gratitude, recognizing individual or team achievements.
- Personalized Thank-Yous: Send handwritten notes or personalized emails to customers and employees to show appreciation.
- Celebration of Milestones: Recognize anniversaries, birthdays, and special accomplishments to remind your team that they’re valued.
- Community Engagement: Host or participate in community events, contributing positively to your surroundings.
Conclusion: Cultivate Gratitude, Cultivate Growth
Gratitude is not only a personal development habit but a powerful business strategy. When you prioritize gratitude, you create a more loyal customer base, a motivated team, a thriving company culture, and a positive impact on the community.
Gratitude appreciates people. And when people feel appreciated, loyalty skyrockets in customers, employees, and the community. Not only will gratitude make your journey more fulfilling, but it will also yield long-lasting growth and success for your business.
