Want to get rich as a team in the new economy? Here is your ticket: Authentic Gratitude.
The US Department of Labor and Statistics reports that the number one reason why Americans quit their jobs is that they don’t feel appreciated.
Studies show that gratitude and appreciation are on the decline in the world, and there is no greater decline in dentistry today than the tension between dentists and their team members.
With Thanksgiving upon us next week, this becomes the perfect time to stop and reflect on all the things in this life for which we are truly grateful. All of these things can all be taken from us in an instant.
We learned all too well the truth of this last year. Our Lead Practice Coach, Sheri Kay, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of 2010. She embraced a bitter battle in which she was victorious against this dreadful disease. As we watched this amazing woman battle this ruthless disease and the uncertainty that comes with it, we were all met with this paralyzing thought. Everything that you know to be true can be taken from you in an instant.
I am happy to report that Sheri was very blessed to make it through, and today she is officially a “survivor” and very healthy. You can read about her amazing battle here (click here). During this time, we found ourselves profoundly grateful for the health we do have, for each other, our families, the air we breathe, the clients we are privileged to serve, and the work we are so honored to do.
The result: Gratitude.
The Power of Authentic Gratitude can be an awesome force in our own lives if used properly – not just for other people, but also for health, for life, for the air we breathe – and for today.
Gratitude for Your Team at Work
Here are two game-changing ways to express gratitude with your team members:
- Your Hello – Come in and greet each one of your team members every day (not just this week). Look them in the eyes. Ask them a personal question. Listen. Then let them know, in some way, that they are valued. This will go a long way. You are all going to be involved in some type of battle today, and getting everyone in the right mindset is half of it.
- Your Goodbye – When they finish for the day, take a second to pause. Again, look them in the eyes and say, “Thank you for everything today. I appreciate you! Have a great night.” They leave your practice pretty spent most days if you do great work. Nothing beats an emotional lift as they walk to their cars and return home to those they love.
Growth as a team starts with appreciation for those who work with you every day.
Gratitude for Your Team at Home
Marriages are under big stress now, too. Gratitude is often a currency that doesn’t get replenished when we return home from work. It’s a shame because it can often be crafted in a productive way if first the mindset is there and then you have a few tools to use to better appreciate the ones you love.
My friend Mark Merrill of www.allprodad.com has some wonderful tools for this. Here are the 10 things wives want to hear from their husbands and the 10 things husbands want to hear from their wives.
Give, give – and keep giving until it positions you for growth in life and relationships.
I, for one, am grateful for all of you. I hope you enjoy the holidays with the ones you love and share the magical gift of gratitude with them.
800.851.8186
