How two words can transform employee performance
It is the simplest of sentences. It also conveys the simplest of meanings and emotions. It takes just a second and a single breath to say, but its power can last for minutes, hours or even years. Sure, it sounds cliche, but a simple “Thank You” can go a long way.
The “Thank You” holds immense power, not only in fostering a positive work environment but also in building trust among colleagues and members of your team. I’d like to explore and expound on the significance of expressing gratitude in the workplace and how it contributes to cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration that fosters improved results both for the team and individuals.
Recognition and Appreciation
At the heart of saying "thank you" lies the acknowledgment of someone's efforts or contributions. When a colleague goes above and beyond, whether it's completing a project ahead of schedule, offering assistance during a busy period, or simply providing support and encouragement, expressing gratitude reinforces their value within the team. It shows that their efforts are noticed and appreciated, which, in turn, boosts morale and motivation.
It’s not just about recognizing someone’s work contributions but recognizing them as a human. In our everyday lives, we often say “thank you” without even thinking about it. It’s just a reflex.
When someone opens a door, hands you a bag of groceries, or brings your food order, you say “thank you,” without missing a beat. Yet somehow in the workplace, this reaction is far from automatic.
Let me give you an example from my career. I had the same boss for many years. In all the time this person was my supervisor, they only ever said “good job” or “thank you” maybe a few times. This despite a track record of awards, high-quality work, and stellar reviews. Did I inherently know my boss appreciated my work? Sure. But would it have aided my confidence to hear it? Absolutely. And yes, my boss was not shy of sharing his opinions when he had questions when things didn’t go as planned.
Equal praise, gratitude, and constructive criticism create a better environment for achievement and employee growth in my experience.
Fostering Connection
Saying "thank you" is more than just a polite gesture; it's a powerful tool for building meaningful connections with people. By taking the time to express appreciation, you demonstrate empathy and kindness, strengthening the bonds between team members. This sense of connection lays the foundation for trust to flourish, as individuals feel valued and respected within the workplace community.
Part of this is continually checking in on your team. I make it a habit at every place I have been to work the room. Fostering a human connection beyond assignments is part of my DNA. As a result, you gain a better appreciation for what your team is going through and have a better gauge on the pulse of the room. Even in remote work situations, a simple text or quick phone call accomplishes the same end. I’m not recommending you be best buds with your colleagues but treating them the same as a neighbor isn’t asking for much.
Building Trust
Are you willing to leave your team alone? Do you hesitate to take a day or a vacation? What about dropping off the grid? You can if you build enough trust.
Trust is essential for effective collaboration and productivity in any organization. When team members trust one another, they feel confident in sharing ideas, taking risks, and working together toward common goals. In fact, I recently explored this very concept. Saying "thank you" plays a crucial role in building this trust by creating a positive feedback loop. When individuals receive recognition for their contributions, they are more likely to continue investing their time and energy into their work, knowing that their efforts will be acknowledged and valued. What it also does is build a structure of accountability. When everyone knows their role, the machine can work seamlessly. Then, when a team member or even a leader is absent, no one skips a beat.
Let me illustrate. In 2010, I was the Executive Producer of Sports at NBC in Chicago. My team had been covering the Blackhawks' run to the Stanly Cup Final for nearly two months. There was a five-day gap between the Conference Final and the Stanley Cup Final. This included tons of preparation for travel, credentials, and coverage prep for my crew of reporters, producers, photographers, and technicians. Did I mention my wife was pregnant with our second child and we had a trip booked to Mexico for our Babymoon?
What would you have done? Cancel the trip? Go?
For the record, we jetted off for our pre-planned time away. Why? Because I knew my team would hold down the fort and I preferred to lead by example. Before I left, I made sure everyone knew their assignments, delegated travel arrangements to a colleague, and communicated to my bosses all my plans.
I returned relaxed and then dug in to cover the Blackhawks' first Stanley Cup championship in 49 years.
Promoting a Culture of Gratitude
In addition to building trust on an individual level, expressing gratitude can also shape the overall culture of an organization. When leaders and colleagues make a habit of saying "thank you," it sets a precedent for appreciation and recognition throughout the company. Employees are encouraged to celebrate each other's successes and support one another through challenges, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where trust can thrive. I find this is especially important amongst your less experienced team members. This type of culture and environment can help aid their transition into the workplace and enhance how they work with others.
When I took over the day-to-day oversight of a growing creative team at Intersport, I encountered a great deal of jealousy and personality disagreements. I worked hard to instill a more supportive culture that was transparent, built on trust, and a willingness to learn from all. Within a year, we won awards for our work as a team, not as individuals.
Improving Communication
Saying "thank you" also improves communication within teams and across departments. When individuals feel appreciated, they are more open to sharing their thoughts and ideas, leading to better collaboration and problem-solving. Gratitude fosters a culture of openness and transparency, where feedback is welcomed and communication flows freely, further enhancing trust among colleagues.
Leading by Example
As leaders within an organization, it's essential to lead by example when it comes to expressing gratitude. By consistently recognizing and appreciating the efforts of team members, leaders demonstrate their commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. This not only strengthens trust within the team but also inspires others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of gratitude throughout the organization.
Everyone can be a leader in this fashion. We can all lead by example. None of us are perfect, but I do my best to lead in this fashion each day.
Saying "thank you" may seem like a small gesture, but its impact on trust and collaboration in the workplace is significant. By expressing gratitude for the contributions of colleagues, individuals can strengthen connections, foster a positive work culture, and ultimately, build trust within their teams and organizations. So, let's make gratitude a priority in our workplaces, and watch as trust and collaboration flourish.
Geoff Glick is the founder and executive producer of Peaceful Luck Media. He is an award-winning storyteller with deep roots in both the editorial and brand space. His expertise lies in content strategy and creation and building & leading creative teams.
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