Some Unexpected Gratitude Not Only Made My Day, It Also Got Me Thinking

I experienced a really pleasant surprise recently that got me thinking. At the end of a coaching session with a client, she expressed some very specific gratitude for how I have positively impacted her leadership development. It not only made my day, but it also impacted me quite deeply. I felt affirmed, energized and that all the hard work I put into my coaching practice is absolutely worth it!  

The truth is, the effect her expression of gratitude had on me is often the same for people who receive gratitude from their leaders. I’m not talking about a brief, “Hey, thanks for all you do.” I’m talking about meaningful gratitude like what I received from my client. 

Here is what meaningful gratitude from a leader often looks like.

1.      It is specific.

Telling a person exactly what behavior they have done that you are thankful for sticks with people and shows them you pay attention to their effort and work.

2.       It is sincere.

Body language, facial expressions, tone of voice – they all make a difference when showing gratitude. Being completely present, making eye contact and speaking from the heart shows sincerity.

3.      It is focused on the person, not just the performance.

Recognition (a close cousin to gratitude) is appropriate for performance, but gratitude transcends recognition. Showing gratitude is not just about what they’ve done, but who they are as a person (i.e., enthusiastic, thorough, committed, positive, detail-oriented, strategic, etc.).

Leaders who make a habit of showing gratitude, stand out from their peers who don’t. They also create a positive culture that people want to be a part of.  That is not to mention the positive benefits it has on the leader themselves (but I’ll save that for a future post).

How will you show more meaningful gratitude to the people you lead?