Serving others as the CEO of RX Medical, a family of healthcare businesses that provide innovative technological and medical advancements, is a rewarding yet challenging role. In the fast-paced business environment of medical device sales, where deadlines and deliverables often take center stage, it’s easy to overlook one of the most impactful (and often underutilized) tools at a leader’s disposal; the simple act of expressing appreciation. It’s why over the past few months, my leadership team and I have enjoyed hosting Employee Appreciation Days across our territories. Taking a pause to say THANKS to our #1 asset – our employees – has been a wonderful opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, make new memories, and partake in “friendly” cornhole tournaments. Ok, maybe not so friendly at times (we’re a competitive group by nature – smile). Acknowledging and valuing team efforts not only fosters a positive work culture, we’ve found it also boosts morale and enhances overall productivity. In this month’s leadership blog, I’m exploring why it’s important to not be a BAD BOSS and the profound benefits of showing gratitude. When you do, it often leads to substantial improvements in team dynamics and organizational success.
Working for a “Bad Boss”
Many of us have felt the frustration of working with difficult bosses, but if we approach these experiences with a positive mindset, viewing them as lessons in what not to do, we can grow professionally. Reflecting on my own career, I recall working with managers who overlooked the importance of gratitude and the impact it had on me. Now, as an executive leader, I make it a priority to express appreciation to everyone across our OPS warehouse, HR, Finance, training, and marketing divisions as well as our seasoned medical sales representatives. If showing gratitude hasn’t been part of your leadership approach, now is the perfect time to start. Embracing this practice will enhance your leadership skills and foster a more engaged and motivated team.
Benefits of Gratitude
Building a culture of gratitude in the workplace is crucial for today’s leaders because it helps create a positive and inclusive environment where employees feel valued. When leaders consistently express appreciation, they enhance team morale, strengthen relationships, and promote a sense of belonging and trust. By prioritizing gratitude, leaders have an opportunity to create a supportive atmosphere that encourages open communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to achieving organizational goals, ultimately driving long-term success and growth.
Acknowledging and appreciating employees is not just a nicety but a crucial element of successful leadership says author Jim Edwards in the book Say Thank You for Everything. To transition from a “bad boss” to an effective leader, foster a culture of gratitude to significantly boost morale, improve team cohesion, and drive better results. Here are three ways to express gratitude in the workplace from Edwards’ book. How many of these are you exercising on a daily basis?
3 Ways to Exercise Gratitude in the Workplace
- Drive Results through Gratitude: By aligning appreciation with performance goals, leaders can enhance team effectiveness which often drives improved business outcomes.
- Demonstrate Appreciation: Demonstrating simple acts of gratitude can lead to increased employee engagement and loyalty, creating a more motivated and productive team.
- Focus on Building Stronger Relationships: Authentic communication and consistent feedback between leaders and employees strengthens relationships and contributes to overall organizational success.
To become a better leader, begin by saying thank you to your employees, clients, vendors, partners, and others (basically, everyone). Demonstrating appreciation could be the smartest leadership move you’ll ever make. On a daily … care for your team, lead by demonstration to achieve business results, and become the kind of leader (not boss) you’ve always aspired to be.
📌LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE: What intentional steps will you take to express gratitude towards others in your company?
Brandon Rouse leads a diverse & growing team of professionals well-versed in the challenges facing healthcare. Headquartered in OKC, OK, Brandon’s experienced team represents various technological & innovative medical solutions. ZB RX Medical is a direct distributor of Zimmer Biomet.