Gratitude at Work

In this episode, we explore how gratitude can have a profound and far-reaching impact in the workplace – and how it extends to enrich a person’s entire life. As guest and associate professor at University of Massachusetts Emily Heaphy sees it, “If you think about a company that is really embracing recognition, gratitude, and appreciation, they can bring that home to their families, loved ones, and friends – and cause a ripple effect.”

Here are some of the highlights from Episode 3:

• Positive feedback is the antidote to negative self-stereotyping. Emily never thought of herself as a leader until positive feedback changed her perspective. “What’s so exciting about the process of getting affirmative stories from multiple people is that it can redirect you just a little bit,” she observed. “And over time, that slight redirection can have a big impact.”
• People underestimate the effect gratitude has on others. As a result, many people are less likely to express gratitude to others. Emily’s current research highlights the “relational and psychological complexity of compliments and gratitude.” In her class, she has her students perform acts of kindness – while self-reflecting on what they are grateful for.
• Gratitude enriches a person’s whole life – not just their work life. Just as employees can carry stress outside of work, they can likewise carry the positive energy of gratitude beyond their work life. As Emily sees it, “If you think about a company that is really embracing recognition, gratitude, and appreciation, they can bring that home to their families, loved ones, and friends – and cause a ripple effect.”
• Effective feedback is grounded in hope and optimism. In Emily’s view, “in order to be receptive to ways that we are being asked to change, we also need to have a sense of hope and optimism.” Emily believes it’s about being confident in your ability to achieve great things. “If you’re feeling valued, it’s easier to take in and consider feedback.”
• Emotions are “part and parcel of everything we do.” “Emotions can teach us a lot about what we think, feel, and should be talking about at work,” noted Emily. “I think that self-awareness – the ability to see how our own emotions, and those of others, affect us – is incredibly important. If one can develop good self-awareness, it can be a superpower at work.”
• Being comfortable with both positive and negative emotions is a powerful force. “All relationships experience conflict,” Emily observed. “All organizations experience conflict.” That’s why being comfortable with conflict is extremely powerful. It enables you to help others work through difficult emotions and moments, and, in that way, is a gift to others.

LINKS

Emily's Work

www.emilyheaphy.com

"How to Play to Your Strengths" - Harvard Business Review

Emily's work at UMass Amherst

Elizabeth's Work

Elizabeth's work at Loughborough University

Liz Stokoe on Twitter

Conversation Analytic Role-play Method (CARM)

Elizabeth's first book Talk: The Science of Conversation

Elizabeth's second book: Crisis Talk: Negotiating with Individuals in Crisis

Emiliana's Work

Emiliana's Work at the Greater Good Science Center

Emiliana's featured work at the Center for Building a Culture for Empathy