“Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They’re absolutely free and worth a fortune.” – Sam Walton
The number one reason people leave their jobs is that they do not feel appreciated. When you think about just the cost of turnover, Sam Walton is right that appreciating others is worth a fortune. Being appreciative seems quite simple, but then why do we not do it more often?
For appreciation to be effective it has to be sincere and genuine. Words without substance mean nothing to others. The key ingredient is gratitude, which is connected to attitude. Maybe we don’t see more appreciation because creating an attitude of gratitude takes work.
Attitudes are habits in our mind that become automatic. It is possible to create a new attitude, but it means forming a new habit.
How to Form an Attitude of Gratitude
1. Think “I serve,” not “I deserve”
We live in culture of entitlement. We think we deserve people, places and things. Relationships with other people are a privilege. Having a home is a privilege. Having cable TV is a privilege! I was just talking with a friend yesterday who spent a month in a third world country. When she came back to the US, she had to get used to the constant hum of electricity around her. In a third world country, electricity is seen as a gift, not an entitlement.
When we get use to having things, we think we deserve it. We need to get back to the basics. Having breath is a privilege. Ask yourself who can you serve today?
2. See people, not objects
We can also become entitled about our projects and work performance. We have our goals, plans and tasks to accomplish. It can be easy to start to see other people as just objects within the task at hand. Leaders, especially have to be constantly aware of seeing people as unique human beings and not just an object to complete a task.
For example, this week I was talking with a person about a project. Another person entered our conversation to talk about an unrelated topic. I felt frustrated and treated that person as an “interruption,” an “object” obstructing me to my goal. How I treated her did not enhance her value and depreciated her.
It is important to set boundaries and not let others side track us from our goals. But, HOW we set boundaries is of utmost importance. Do we communicate in a way that builds an atmosphere of gratitude, seeing each other as people, not objects?
As you go about your day, look into the eyes of the people with whom you interrelate. It is said that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. Acknowledge in your mind that this is a person. Ask yourself how can I show them they have value?
3. Feel awe, not dull
The other day I saw a magnificent sunset, and I was immediately in awe. When we live in awe, it puts our mind in a different perspective. I was reading the story of a man who lived a very humble lifestyle. Everything he received, he recognized as a gift, and also expressed feelings of amazement. Look at the excitement children express when they receive a special gift.
When we don’t live in gratitude, we feel numb and dull. A secret of gratitude is contentment. It is being thankful for any and every circumstance because we can see the gifts that surround us. Ask yourself, how can I feel awe today?
Every day is an opportunity to have a great attitude of gratitude, not just at Thanksgiving. Think, see and feel gratitude each day! How will you develop the discipline of gratitude for the year?