Unlocking Grateful Leadership: $92M Productivity Boost and Beyond
Recent Gallup research found for an average company of 10,000 people, that by doubling the number of people who are recognized every week, (remember, recognition is just one aspect of grateful leadership), the company could expect to:
gain $92 million in greater productivity
save $2.8 million in improved safety
save $3.8 million in reduced absenteeism
save $16.1 million due to reduced turnover
While amounts vary by industry, on average, this equates to more than $25,000 per employee every single year.
You can grab the report here.
But recognition is not enough. Recognition only addresses one of the two deep-seeded needs required by your people. To build a long term people-focused, high-performing culture, the other motivation you must fulfill is to ensure your people know you care about them—as a human being, irrespective of whether they do a good job or a bad job. We’re not suggesting you tolerate mediocre performance, but if in the course of your life, if you’ve ever felt used—people liking you because of your performance or because of the people you know, the influence you have, or the car you drive, (whatever) then you understand that recognition is short-lived unless it is accompanied by a genuine care for humanity.
The rest of the world calls this love and while business generally resists the L word, I regularly tell my clients I love them. The Greeks had 4 words for love and in English we have just one but it has different meanings. My clients understand we’re talking about agape love, which is the unconditional love of humanity. It is not based on status, performance, nor talent. And we’re hard-wired to notice when we get it—or don't get it. Again, if you’ve ever felt used, you know what I mean.
I don’t care if you tell your employees, clients or colleagues that you love them but I deeply want you to show your people that you care for them—unconditionally—even when they don’t reciprocate with care. When you show you care you're fulfilling their need to feel socially valued as a human being for who they are, and not what they do.
This is where gratitude comes in. You can use gratitude to appreciate the people around you—appreciate them for who they are. For example, you might say:
I appreciate you and your unapologetically optimistic attitude
I always feel better after spending just 5 minutes with you.
With everything on your plate at home and at work, I don’t know how you do it—you’re an inspiration.
Your silly Dad jokes make me laugh.
You remind me of myself when I was your age—but you’re wiser/calmer/whatever your insight.
You somehow always seem to know the right thing to do—even when it’s not obvious.
And you can appreciate them for asking questions about their interests such as:
How was your daughter’s soccer tournament on the weekend ? (anything about their family)
Are you still rooting for the Maple Leafs ?
How are plans coming for your vacation/new house/studies/hobbies ?
Ask anything about their pets.
At work there are a few other subtle ways to let people know you care. For instance,
At the start of pre-scheduled call I always ask, "Is now still a good time for you ?" When it’s not, "No problem, let’s reschedule."
When travelling on business, as soon as I arrive, I text the host (or whomever would be concerned about my arrival), "I’m here. See you soon."
I try to find their birthday and call/text/email them (medium depends on our relationship and day of week—I don’t call clients on weekends or holidays)
It’s pretty simple—edify them for who they are and take an interest in what is important to them. And without even saying the word grateful, you let them know you care about them.
