Five Ways to Show Gratitude to Coworkers
During the holiday season, tensions can be high with impending year-end deadlines. Given that you spend more than half your week with coworkers, it’s important to engage with intentionality. In particular, notice each other’s contributions, however large or small; and show your appreciation. Even difficult people respond well to genuine encouragement and sincere recognition.
It’s safe to assume when you feel as if you’re pulling the entire weight, others presume the same about themselves. When coworkers contribute, focus on that; and thank them either publicly or privately.
Show you are grateful and bring a little holiday cheer to both you and a coworker in the process:
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The spoken word.
The spoken word is a powerful tool, but we often fail to leverage it when things are going well. Say thank you – out loud. We assume others know we appreciate them and the work they do, so we neglect affirming them. This assumption can be costly, both in and out of the office. Avoid assuming they know.
A little goes a long way with sincere appreciation. What may seem like a passing comment to you could change another’s mindset on any given day.
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Post-It.
Sometimes the greatest gifts can be the smallest. A great way to show appreciation might be as simple as leaving a handwritten note on a coworker’s desk. Just a short “Thanks for all you do!” is all it takes.
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Let’s do lunch.
Likewise, suggest going to lunch. Investing your lunch time with coworkers communicates genuine interest. Do so by getting to know a few things about them you didn’t know before. As a consequence, new insight helps you understand more about how they operate for future collaboration.
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Bring breakfast.
Equally opportune, take a few extra minutes one morning to pick up donuts or breakfast tacos for the office. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it’s the thought that counts. Though it requires minimal extra time, effort, or cost, thinking of breakfast shows your engagement with your team. At the same time, you communicate value to those with whom you work.