How to Build Buy-In By Saying ‘Thank You’
How to Build Buy-In By Saying ‘Thank You’
Three steps to prioritizing and showcasing gratitude as a team grows.
“Please” and “thank you” are among the first phrases we learn as children. As adults in a fast-paced world, those words are easy to forget. That’s especially true in business, where making goals often is prioritized more than making connections. Don’t think like this.
People need a leader who supports and appreciates them. Leaders won’t grow their companies without realizing how to show gratitude.
Recognition and support from leadership are two of today’s most important factors for retention, according to Deloitte’s Talent 2020 survey.
Though it sounds simple, it’s not. Leading with gratitude requires mindfulness and attention. It’s an intentional experience, not a passive one.
At my company, I make a conscious effort to thank my team daily for their efforts, and I’m specific about highlighting exactly what they did to make me thankful. A mere, “Thanks for all you do” won’t suffice.
To give a team member a better sense of appreciation, I might say, “Thank you for delivering that presentation deck before the deadline. It will help us secure this client.” Showing how they’re contributing to the bigger picture is key.
Leaders who adopt a mindset of gratitude might be taken aback by the results. We’ve seen quite a few benefits from consciously and proactively prioritizing appreciation for our people.
For one, there’s less stress in the office when people feel valued. By fostering an environment of connectivity and belonging, people are less on edge — even when they know they might miss a deadline. It makes for a close-knit, happy place to be.
The team is more productive as a whole, and folks don’t hesitate to work outside normal hours — often without being asked — because they know how much we appreciate those contributions. Team members have higher levels of confidence and self-esteem, which has led to the launch of new and innovative projects.
The best part about those projects has been the willingness of team members to learn new skills and work in new areas as they feel more confident in their abilities. The gratitude leads to gratification.
