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Expressing Gratitude in Advance

Writer's picture: Fredericksburg ChamberFredericksburg Chamber

By Jim Mikula, President/CEO


When setting goals or objectives for a new year I like to use the term BHAG, Big Hairy Audacious Goal, from Jim Collins’ best-selling book “Good to Great.” For this year’s goals I wondered about how I can motivate the Chamber board and staff to embrace some BHAGs vs being concerned or stressed about ambitious goals or objectives.

 

This led to some research of Gallup polls, Harvard Business Review, and LinkedIn articles. The articles and research show that expressing gratitude in advance of taking on BHAGs or difficult assignments can result in teams being more motivated and committed. Some of the ideas I found about expressing appreciation are valuable in business and at home.

 

Feeling Valued

When individuals receive expressions of gratitude, they feel valued, which enhances their motivation. Research by Wharton School faculty shows that fundraisers who were thanked for their efforts made more calls and raised more money than those who did not receive such acknowledgment. This suggests that gratitude can lead to increased performance because it makes individuals feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions. This can certainly apply at work or at home with our own kids.

 

Positive Environment

Gratitude contributes to a positive work culture, which can enhance overall productivity and commitment. When gratitude is expressed, it not only uplifts the recipient but also encourages a supportive atmosphere where team members feel more connected and engaged in their work. This sense of community can lead to increased collaboration and motivation among colleagues…or even family members.

 

Motivating to Achieve Goals

Research indicates that gratitude can energize individuals to pursue goals more vigorously. For example, a study found that participants who practiced gratitude reported making more progress toward their goals compared to those who focused on hassles or neutral activities. This suggests that gratitude fosters a mindset geared toward achievement, making individuals more likely to commit to challenging tasks—BHAGs in business or in life, in general.

 

Encouraging Proactivity

Expressing gratitude can also promote a proactive approach to work or responsibilities. When individuals feel appreciated, they are less likely to procrastinate and more likely to tackle assignments with enthusiasm. This proactive behavior is crucial with difficult assignments or tasks, as it leads to greater engagement and effort in overcoming challenges.

 

Plenty of food for thought, huh? I, for one, am going to challenge myself to both feel and express gratitude more often. Anyone want to join me in the challenge? Let’s see for ourselves if we can boost feelings of value and commitment. I look forward to reporting on my progress and hearing about yours.

 

Now, let’s go chase some BHAGs!

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