"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." — Henri Frederic Amiel

the virtuous circle of gratitude courtesy of the energy project
Gratitude isn’t reserved for the month of November, and it isn’t just about feeling thankful or keeping gratitude journals. In fact, if you’re hoping to transform the atmosphere of your organization and break the cycle of overworked and disengaged employees, gratitude is a great place to start. When gratitude is expressed through action, it overflows into growth and productivity.

Encouraging an atmosphere of gratitude starts from the top. At the most basic level, employees need to know that they’re valued. Employees that are cared for by their bosses and are encouraged to develop and express their talents are more loyal. More loyalty means less turnover and the costs associated with it. When gratitude is cultivated internally in an organization, the next natural step is to express it outwardly by giving back to the community in some way. Employees that are adding value to the world find more meaning and satisfaction in their work.

The easiest place to start is with you. Shift your attention slightly to focus on what you can appreciate, embrace, and celebrate. That energy will prove to be contagious. The more we express our gratitude and add value to the world, the more we add value to our company, replacing a vicious cycle with a virtuous circle.

top tips

Notice the Best in Others. Instead of focusing on what irritates, or frustrates, or triggers you about others, ask yourself, “What’s right about the people in my life?” — or, more specifically, “How can I appreciate the best in people?” Follow through with an action like a letter of appreciation or by walking up to a co-worker and voicing a specific, face-to-face “thank you.”
Cultivate Nobility in the Everyday. Whatever the intrinsic limitations of your job, you can find a way to add value in the world, even if it’s one person at a time. Even the most routine jobs can have meaning and nobility.
Take Time to Reflect on Your Purpose. Leaders and CEOs should revisit the purpose of their organization often. A few good questions to start with: What is our noblest purpose and are we fulfilling it? How can we give our employees a greater sense of meaning in what they do, so they feel more enthusiastic about coming to work every morning? In what practical ways can we add more value in the world?

As we move into 2017, I want to first thank Jo Donaldson for her years of service to CAMCA and for serving as President for the past 2 years. Without her guidance and encouragement, I would have never felt as capable to move into a position of leadership. She offered the guidance I needed, when I needed it, and served as a fount of knowledge whenever I had an issue I couldn't solve on her own. I know I have big shoes to fill!

As the new CAMCA President, I want 2017 to start a year of growth for all of us. I know we often feel overwhelmed and overworked, what are we doing to take care of ourselves? Are we grateful for what we have, do we tell others how we are grateful for them? Jo would always tell me "I appreciate all you do," and that meant the world to me. I am thankful for being part of such a wonderful organization and want to make sure that all of you can benefit from being members.

We will soon announce the class schedule for 2017 and I plan to offer some things that have not been offered in the past. If you attended the Annual Meeting in Castle Rock, Randy Ferguson spoke about how we all have an inner light/greatness that needs to be shown. We get covered in clay and hurt and concerns and forget to shine for others to see - be that offering uplifting suggestions or being there for one another. My wish for 2017 is to grow all of us in our positions, learn better how to care for ourselves and not let work concerns weigh us down, promote greater development opportunities for us all to become better leaders, and just, generally, offer informational courses that grow our personal and professional knowledge.

I look forward to serving as your President for the next 2 years and ask you all to share any recommendations, concerns, etc with me as time passes. The more we share, the more we can grow. You can email me at camcapresident@gmail.com

Thankfulness is not just for Thanksgiving

Angie VanSchoick

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