The Power of saying Thanks

My Top 5 reasons to say Thank You this Christmas

Written by Kelly Baker

As we move closer to the Christmas period, it’s important that we remember the power of saying thank you; no matter how big or small the gesture is.

The simple sentiment of saying those two little words can have much bigger impact on yourself, others and of course your business.

From all the articles I’ve torn out of magazines and bookmarked on my phone over the past 11 years in business, here are my top five  reasons for always trying to be thankful and (more importantly) always ensuring I express my thanks to family, friends, workers and clients:

1. It draws people to you. I suppose this is stating the obvious, but one study I read showed that thanking a new acquaintance made them much more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. I always remember this when I’m meeting someone new at a networking function or working with a new staff member.
2. It’s good for company culture: Ghandi said “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” And business guru Tom Peters said “People don’t forget kindness.” If you’re the boss and your employees see that you’re kind and grateful, they’re much more likely to follow your lead to be kind and grateful with each other and your clients too. It’s got to be authentic though.
3. It’s good for your health. Researchers at the University of California found that being grateful can lower your blood pressure, improve immune function and make you sleep better. If ever you can’t sleep, trying blocking any worrying thoughts and instead focus on what makes you feel thankful. Always helps to calm me down.
4. It can help you to keep good people. There are loads of studies on what workers really want from their managers – and also what they’d prefer more than a pay rise. Time and again I’ve read that above all, employees want to feel valued and to feel proud of what they do. It’s not about taking the staff out for expensive lunches or making forced thank you speeches. It’s about being sincere and spontaneous in showing appreciation for the kind of effort you want to see again.
5. It improves your confidence: One study in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude improved performance and self-esteem among athletes. We all know that resentment and jealously can drag us down (it’s exhausting too!) Gratitude gives us wings.

So there you go. Being grateful is good for us and great for business. So remember to thank those important to you, this Christmas Season.

Kelly

Kelly Baker-Jamieson is the Managing Director of the Edible Blooms Group, the unique floral experience you can eat. www.edibleblooms.com.au