Reflecting on the lovely comments on my recent post about leaving Rolls-Royce, I felt really great seeing everyone's appreciation. It made me think: why wait for a life event to express our gratitude and recognition? How can we make appreciation a regular part of our interactions, especially in the workplace?
Appreciation isn't just about feeling good. It's a powerful tool that boosts performance and well-being. Research by Barbara Fredrickson suggests a 3-to-1 ratio of positive to negative interactions is essential for individuals to thrive. Meanwhile, John Gottman's studies in relational dynamics propose a 5-to-1 ratio for marital stability, which has been influential in understanding team dynamics in business as well.
Even more compelling, Marcial Losada's work, despite its critiques, initially suggested a 6:1 ratio in high-performing teams, emphasizing the profound impact of positivity in team settings.
But beyond numbers, appreciation forms a core component of a "Thinking Environment," as described by Nancy Kline. In such an environment, people feel valued not just for their output but for their being, fostering an atmosphere where creativity and productivity flourish.
Let's not wait for farewells or big achievements to show appreciation. Small, consistent acknowledgments can transform workplace culture, enhance engagement, and promote well-being.
How do you integrate regular appreciation into your team interactions?
Let's make our workplaces thriving environments through the power of appreciation.
There's a nice set of practical tips here: https://lnkd.in/egs5xE4b