Gratitude as a Business Strategy

Howard Jacobson says that the world is suffering from a lack of gratitude: “Almost everyone I know, from pastors to parents, from cashiers to carpet cleaners, from architects to accountants, suffers from GDD: Gratitude Deficit Disorder. Despite all our good intentions and actions, we receive much more flak than gratitude. We are hungry for genuine appreciation and thanks. We want to know that we matter, that our efforts are making the world a better place.”

He also asserts that  making gratitude a habit in your workplace could actually be a helpful business strategy. The author of Proverbs seems to agree, according to chapter 16, verse 25 (New Life Version): “The man who gives much will have much, and he who helps others will be helped himself.”

Jacobson encourages bosses and employees: "Between now and the end of the year, how can you communicate your appreciation? How can you fill the global hunger for gratitude? How can you catch people in the act of goodness? Spend five minutes now making a list of people you are sincerely grateful towards. Then create an action plan to communicate your thanks, with no hidden agenda."

Intrigued? Read more here. (Though this article appeared last year, its precepts are timeless. Read the comments below the post for even more practical ideas on implementing gratitude.)

Post by Dena Dyer. Image used by permission.

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• expressing appreciation
• gratitude
• thankfulness