Leading with Gratitude Ch 13

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Questions and Answers

What is the suggested timing for expressing gratitude according to leaders?

During quarterly one-on-ones

At the end of the year during performance reviews

Immediately after an achievement (correct)

Whenever a leader feels it is a good time

What misconception do some managers have about performance reviews?

They believe these reviews should only focus on positive feedback.

They view performance reviews as informal and not meaningful.

They consider performance appraisals to be the most effective way to show gratitude. (correct)

They think performance reviews allow for spontaneous praise.

What problem is highlighted regarding annual performance reviews?

They can be overly weighted toward criticism. (correct)

They always provide accurate quantitative performance assessments.

They focus too much on qualitative contributions.

They prevent managers from discussing results throughout the year.

Why do managers find quantitative measures valuable for assessing employee performance?

They provide a clear, evidence-based assessment of employee results. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue arises when managers stockpile praise for later?

Employees may feel undervalued if they do not receive immediate acknowledgment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of employees feeling they have made progress at work?

They feel strongly motivated to continue their work. Signup and view all the answers

Why is timely feedback important in a workplace setting?

It demonstrates that a leader is attentive to team members. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the hand-washing intervention was successful?

Employees received positive feedback for their actions. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do small setbacks have compared to small progress?

Setbacks can have a disproportionately negative effect on energy and morale. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does delayed expression of gratitude have in a workplace?

It prevents effective positive reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

According to Gallup, how often should leaders express acknowledgment to their team members?

Once every week or two Signup and view all the answers

What common concern do some leaders have regarding expressing gratitude?

They believe too much praise may annoy team members. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the study conducted in the New York state hospital regarding hand washing?

To implement a reward system tied to hand washing compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What effect can negative language during expressions of gratitude have?

It can undermine the expression of gratitude. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential misconception about frequently expressing gratitude?

It may become less meaningful with repetition. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Frequent Gratitude

Leaders should express gratitude to team members frequently, not just during formal performance reviews.
Leaders should focus on the positive contributions of team members, regardless of the quality or quantity of results.
Gratitude is like a ripe banana, it doesn't keep well, and the closer to an achievement it is expressed, the more impactful it becomes.
The annual performance review can be weighted toward criticism and feel punitive to employees.

How Frequent Gratitude Impacts Employee Motivation

Leaders can boost employee energy levels by helping them see that they have made progress each day.
Frequent expressions of gratitude provide perspective on setbacks and highlight achievements that might have gone unnoticed.
Studies show employees who made progress during a work day are more likely to be motivated to continue their work.
Leaders can create a space for employees to feel appreciated and valued by giving them more frequent expressions of gratitude.

Benefits of Frequent Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding behavior gets repeated, and positive reinforcement is more powerful when rewards are offered close to the action.
A study on hand washing in hospitals showed that giving immediate positive feedback increased compliance with hand hygiene protocols by almost 90%.

The Frequency of Gratitude

Gallup research indicates employees on the most engaged teams receive acknowledgment of their contributions about once every seven days.
Leaders should aim to provide their team members with frequent expressions of gratitude, even for small successes.

Objections to Frequent Gratitude

Leaders may worry about giving too much praise, but experience shows this is not a real concern.
Leaders may also worry about the potential for jealousy when some employees receive praise while others do not.
Leaders may feel like repeated expressions of gratitude are trite, but it is important to celebrate and recognize each success.

Tips for Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude

Leaders should set a pace for gratitude and ask team members to help identify opportunities to celebrate successes.
Leaders should explicitly practice gratitude with their team members and promote the importance of giving positive reinforcement.
Leaders can overcome the challenge of inconsistency by utilizing team members to help identify achievements that might have gone unnoticed.

Overcoming Fear of Gratitude

Leaders may be afraid to express their gratitude because of past blunders or the fear of being perceived as insincere.
Leaders should focus on positive expressions of gratitude and use kind, true, and necessary language when expressing appreciation.
Leaders should avoid using gratitude as an opportunity to highlight early failures or to make a point about their own leadership skills.

Addressing Other Common Concerns

Leaders may worry about creating jealousy among team members when expressing gratitude to one individual.
Leaders may worry that frequent expressions of gratitude will lose their meaning.
Leaders may find that they miss opportunities to celebrate successes because their team is so busy.
Leaders may be unsure about what specific rewards might be appropriate for their team members.

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Description

This quiz explores the importance of expressing gratitude in leadership and how it affects employee motivation. It discusses how frequent gratitude can enhance team dynamics and create a positive work environment. By understanding these concepts, leaders can better appreciate their team's efforts.