It is Thanksgiving week in America—an occasion to reflect on our blessings and express our gratitude to those to whom we are thankful.
From a “good teammate” perspective, it’s an opportunity to remind ourselves of one of the main tenets to improving teamwork: What is recognized and rewarded is repeated…and words make the best rewards.
Specifically, the words THANK YOU.
Research has consistently shown that the number one reason why people voluntarily leave their job is because they don’t feel appreciated. It’s not a lack of salary, benefits, or upward mobility. It’s a lack of appreciation for their contributions.
People will adapt to all sorts of circumstances when they know they are appreciated. They will endure and they will push through difficult challenges when their sacrifices are recognized with gratitude.
The same is true for members of a team.
Individuals will “leave” a team when they feel their contributions are not appreciated. Sometimes this comes in the form of them literally quitting the team. Other times, it comes in the form of them putting forth a lesser effort, abandoning their positive attitude, or disengaging with their teammates.
When underappreciated, good teammates can become toxic teammates—which is unfortunate, because it’s a scenario that can be easily avoided.
If you are fortunate enough to have some good teammates on your team, make an effort to let them know how much you appreciate what they do. And be explicit. Tell them precisely what it is that they do that you appreciate.
Doing so will likely encourage them to repeat whatever actions you bring to their attention. Your expression of gratitude could inspire them to do it even better.
Words make the best rewards because they require so little. It costs you nothing to say, “thank you,” “good job,” or “way to go.” But from the recipient’s viewpoint, they mean so much. They are priceless.
Actions may speak louder than words, but your words can increase the volume of your teammates’ actions.
As another expression goes, people will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Your “thank you” will make them feel appreciated. It will show them how much you care, your willingness to share, and your ability to thoughtfully listen.
I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving—even our non-American readers—and I encourage you to find a way to incorporate the spirit of the holiday into your everyday life. Be the type of good teammate who expresses gratitude towards the other members of your team, every day.
(*By the way, I am explicitly thankful to all of you who help me spread the “good teammate” message by sharing, liking, and retweeting our messages on social media. I’m also thankful to all of you who buy our books and t-shirts and share them as gifts with others. Please continue doing this! You’re helping us make the world a better place.)
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
“Be a Good Teammate” t-shirts make great Christmas gifts!!!
