There is far too little praise and appreciation in most work environments. Even those who are good about giving positive feedback can tend to reserve it for "above and beyond" moments. Yet, the routine work that people are expected to do every day often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. Genuine gratitude goes a long way in engaging people and binding them together. Once a week, say thank you to an employee. Don't only focus on the extra mile they may have gone, but on the ordinary things they do to make your team, unit, or company hum. Be specific: explain the behavior or task that you are grateful for and the positive impact it has on you and the company. Try it! Every day for the next week, will you express appreciation to an employee or colleague for something they routinely do that makes your business run well? It can be via e-mail, over the phone, or even better, in person. Be specific. "There is no more powerful way to acknowledge others, than to be thankful for them just as they are," says Peter Bregman. Tom Peters wrote in a recent tweet, "It takes more time, but one at a time, 15-second praising is 10x more valuable than a group 'way to go, gang'."
Adapted from Blog Post in HBR “Thank You for Doing your Job” by Whitney Johnson
