MBA1438 Guest Teacher: Dr. Cindy McGovern – How a Simple “THANK YOU” Can Make You a Better Leader
Jan 13, 2020
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Dr. Cindy McGovern, a specialist in effective gratitude and leadership strategies, reveals how genuine appreciation can transform workplace dynamics. She discusses gratitude as a crucial skill for leaders, not just a polite gesture. With her five-step formula, McGovern emphasizes the importance of making employees feel valued to boost motivation and retention. She highlights personalized acknowledgments, such as handwritten notes, as powerful tools for enhancing team morale. Dr. Cindy's insights demonstrate that gratitude is key to cultivating a positive and productive work environment.
Effective gratitude from leaders significantly boosts team morale and loyalty, influencing employee engagement and performance positively.
Implementing a structured approach to expressing appreciation strengthens workplace culture and enhances relationships within the team.
Deep dives
The Power of Gratitude in Leadership
Expressing gratitude is essential for effective leadership, as it enhances team morale and loyalty. Recognizing that every interaction is a 'sales conversation' highlights the importance of valuing team members, which is crucial for organizational success. When leaders show appreciation, it’s not just about a fleeting thank you; it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered to excel. This approach can transform a workplace as employees who are acknowledged tend to perform better and contribute positively to the team.
Developing a Gratitude Plan
Creating a structured plan to express gratitude ensures that appreciation becomes a consistent aspect of leadership instead of a sporadic gesture. Leaders should actively seek opportunities to acknowledge their team’s efforts, whether big or small, which helps in cultivating a supportive environment. Noticing accomplishments and taking the time to give personal recognition can significantly boost employee engagement and morale. Establishing trust through regular acknowledgments reinforces the leader's commitment to their team's wellbeing, making it essential for effective management.
Sustaining Gratitude Beyond Words
Gratitude should be an ongoing practice and not limited to occasional thanks, as it enhances relationships and fosters a positive workplace culture. Leaders should move beyond traditional thank-you's and engage their teams in conversations that reflect genuine appreciation for their contributions. Accompanying verbal acknowledgments with appropriate actions, such as handwritten notes or public praise during meetings, can deepen the impact of gratitude. This ongoing commitment to showing appreciation will create a loyal workforce eager to take on challenges and drive the organization forward.
Actually, effective gratitude is more than just stringing two words together. It’s something today’s special guest teacher, Dr. Cindy McGovern calls a “lost art” — the ability to thank employees in a way that values, motivates, and inspires them.
Thanking isn’t just a social reflex. For real leaders, it’s a strategy.
Genuine appreciation is a massive motivator, right up there with pay! Seriously; research shows that employees generally don’t quit “bad” jobs. They quit “bad” managers and employers. If you’re not making your team feel vital, you’re not giving talent a reason to stick around.
Fortunately, Dr. Cindy can help with that.
As she explains today, gratitude isn’t just an act. It’s a skill. And it’s not just politeness; it has a substantive impact on team performance. Dr. Cindy has a 5-step formula that any business owner can use to hone their gratitude game, and get the best from everyone on the team.
Don’t let your business’s culture be an afterthought. Take Dr. Cindy’s advice, and prioritize your thanking skills. You might be surprised at the results. Click play at the top of the page!