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9 Simple Ways to Express Gratitude to Your Team

  • By Judith Bowman
  • |
  • May 28, 2019

What do you believe is the single biggest motivator of people in business?

  • Money?
  • Trips?
  • Cars?
  • Raises?
  • Promotions?

While these can be helpful, the fact is the single most meaningful form of motivation is being acknowledged and feeling appreciated for our work.

While feeling appreciated is also a basic human need, surveys show the workforce is typically the last place we encounter even a simple “thank you.”

Most of us spend more time at work with co-workers than our own family and good friends and yet, work colleagues are typically the last people we tend to recognize.

Interestingly, in high-context cultures such as China and Japan, the word “thank you” (shi shi) is never said enough. Not surprisingly, when people are acknowledged for their good work and thanked for contributions they are found to be 50% more effective the world over!

Simply saying “thank you” triggers the happy hormone dopamine which stimulates the brain and tells the brain you are happy, motivating you to do more and experience greater happiness; while at the same time, making others more likely to help again in the future as you are quietly ingratiating yourself to them.

For example, when we thank someone for their time now, they are more likely to be generous with their time later. Further, being generous with our time makes us feel like we actually have more time.

When we give of ourselves, give our time and do for others, this makes us feel pretty great, as well. People who give their ‘time’ feel more useful, capable, confident and effective which enhances their own productivity.

Here are 9 Ways to Express Thoughtfulness to Your Team:
  • Offer your help.
  • Extend a compliment.
  • Offer unexpected praise.
  • Give someone a smile.
  • Give a gift of appreciation for no particular reason at all.
  • Acknowledge others privately.
  • Publicly recognize others who helped you get to a pivotal moment.
  • Thank those behind the scenes and show them their work is seen.
  • Write a thank you note.

Personal relationships are intrinsic to business, community and family bonds. The individuals we encounter every day are not there by chance. These people are there to help us weather our storms, sharpen and shape us. I can tell you that my greatest growth has come from challenging times and those people who have linked arms with me and held me accountable. We are better together and meant to work together, respect each other and treat each other with appreciation, dignity, caring and kindness.

Are you just getting by or are you getting better? Get started today!

Author Bio

Judith Bowman founded Protocol Consultants International in 1993 and has prospered to become an established Business Protocol expert, educator, corporate speaker, and renowned authority in the field of Professional Presence, Dining Savvy, International Protocol Awareness, and personal and professional development. Ms. Bowman also provides Protocol Certification. She is a graduate of Boston College and has pursued studies in Effective Business Communication at Harvard University. Ms. Bowman speaks to critical interpersonal communication skills and shares specific nuances advantageous to exemplary conduct in today’s fast-paced and highly competitive global work environment. She showcases everyday business situations and shows professionals how to leverage these as opportunities to demonstrate respect while earning respect - while showing you know “the difference” while making a difference to stand apart and outclass the competition! Ms. Bowman has authored two business protocol books: “Don’t Take the Last Donut…” (Career Press) presently sold in 16 countries, translated in 14 languages, and her new book, “How to Stand Apart @ Work …” She has authored a weekly Everyday Etiquette column syndicated throughout New England for ten years by the Pulitzer Prize winning Eagle Tribune Publishing Company. Internationally, she authored a Business Protocol column for the prestigious Noblesse Magazine, China. She presently writes a weekly Business Protocol column for Boston Herald newspapers and has a coordinating weekly radio segment, “A Protocol Moment” on Herald Radio. She also writes a monthly Fabulous Woman series which features truly fabulous women who have shattered the glass ceiling and has been featured in Leader to Leader, March, 2015. Bowman has produced a series of support products which include: Executive Etiquette/First Impressions DVD, DINING 101 DVD and Protocol Training DVD – from her on-line How to Stand Apart series.

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