There are myriad ways to express gratitude to others, including writing a handwritten note to thank a mentor who's had a meaningful and positive impact in your life, giving verbal props at a team meeting to a colleague for the way she handled a tricky situation, or calling a client to check in and thank her for her business. The key to helping make your gratitude meaningful to others is to ensure that your actions align with three criteria: 1. Is it frequent? Being grateful once a year (think: annual reviews and holiday parties) doesn't cut it. Gratitude is a daily effort. 2. Is it genuine? Those people you're trying to impress? They'll see right through your fake thankfulness, and it will backfire, making you (and them) feel lousy. Remember, being grateful isn't about scoring points; it's about strengthening relationships. Be genuine with your gratitude. 3. Is it specific? Saying "thank you" to someone means so much more when it's accompanied by specificity. When you take an extra step and include what, exactly, you're thankful for, the receiver better understands why his or her actions incited gratitude—and is more likely to replicate them in the future. #leadership #gratitude #career #communication
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