The Impact of Thank You’s
Regular expressions of gratitude can significantly impact team safety, connection, and motivation.
Summary
Studies show that the frequency of "thank you's" in high-performing cultures is notably elevated. Implement a practice of regularly thanking team members for their contributions, particularly after challenging projects or for their unique attributes. This simple yet powerful practice can lead to increased cooperative behavior and a stronger sense of belonging within the team.
The idea
“Thank you’s” aren't only expressions of gratitude; they're crucial belonging cues that generate a contagious sense of safety, connection, and motivation.
The Evidence
The number of thank you's said in highly successful cultures is elevated. It helps affirm the relationship and ignites cooperative behavior. A small thank you causes people to behave far more generously to a completely different person. Adam Grant & Francesco Gino conducted a study where subjects were asked to help a fictitious student named "Eric" write a cover letter for a job application. After helping him, half of the participants received a thankful response from Eric; half received a neutral response. The subjects then received a request for help from "Steve", a different student. Those who received thanks from Eric chose to help Steve more than twice as often as those who had received the neutral response.
Actions to Take
Thank them: For allowing you to lead/manage themAfter a particularly challenging sprint/projectFor being their unique selves
Sources
Daniel Coyle - The Culture Code (The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups)
The Impact of Thank You’s
Cultivate a Culture of Appreciation for Enhanced Team Performance
Summary
Studies show that the frequency of "thank you's" in high-performing cultures is notably elevated. Implement a practice of regularly thanking team members for their contributions, particularly after challenging projects or for their unique attributes. This simple yet powerful practice can lead to increased cooperative behavior and a stronger sense of belonging within the team.
The Impact of Thank You’s
Cultivate a Culture of Appreciation for Enhanced Team Performance
Summary
Studies show that the frequency of "thank you's" in high-performing cultures is notably elevated. Implement a practice of regularly thanking team members for their contributions, particularly after challenging projects or for their unique attributes. This simple yet powerful practice can lead to increased cooperative behavior and a stronger sense of belonging within the team.
The Impact of Thank You’s
Cultivate a Culture of Appreciation for Enhanced Team Performance
Citations
Podcast
Regular expressions of gratitude can significantly impact team safety, connection, and motivation.
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