Welcome to the Tero December eZine
In 2014 the deficit in civility perceived by the generations looked like this:
- Millennials (93 percent)
- Gen Xers (92 percent)
- Boomers (94 percent)
- Silent Generation (97 percent)
Yet almost one in four Millennials (23 percent) believed civility would improve in the next few years.
Has it? Is the hope of this generation founded in our experiences in 2016?
Hearing that millennials, the largest cohort generation in the workforce value civility and look to see it is a comfort. Why is that view and outlook so important?
It is not difficult to appreciate the benefit of taking the time to intentionally show gratitude to people in our family and social circles. We readily engage in reciprocity, giving thanks and acknowledgement to effectively support and maintain the people and personal relationships we hold most important to us.
But what about in the workplace? Where business is the bottom line, do we need to take the time to intentionally thank the co-workers we interact with? Does gratitude create a workplace benefit? And if it does, how do we make sure we are taking the opportunities to demonstrate it enough and appropriately?
Dr. P.M. Forni of Johns Hopkins University has alluded that showing thanks in the workplace is not only important, it is imperative to the health of an organization. Dr. Forni is head of the Johns Hopkins Civility Initiative and he has conducted numerous studies to assess the effect of civility in the workplace. Not only have the findings concluded that treating coworkers politely lowers stress (which can activate positive rather than negative effects in the nervous and immune system), but civility also positively influences tenure, absenteeism, and workplace morale.
Unfortunately, civility is often valued in organizational missions, but is not evident in day-to-day interactions. A solution to demonstrating civility in the workplace however, can be as simple as remembering to intentionally acknowledge others and give written thanks.
William James said the "deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated". It may be challenging to remain aware of the many tasks and responsibilities we engage in during the course of a work day, but it is easy to remember the activities that coworkers intentionally thank us for. Receiving acknowledgement and thanks influences not only our sense contribution to our organization, but fuels our desire to further contribute.
This month's eZine aims towards the focus we need to demonstrate to others to fuel performance and workplace morale. Civility and gratitude.
The Q and A addresses how to appreciate a workplace gift, and how to show your clients appreciation. The article by Rowena Crosbie helps us focus on the need and method to show appreciation. The Development Activity asks us to ‘Put our Appreciation in Writing'. The resources bring us thought leadership on the need for civility, the lack of it and why appreciation can accelerate our growth both personally and professionally. The inspiration is a call to action to 'see' and appreciate all those that contribute to our well-being.
Thank you for engaging with us, this month and every month this past year. As we stand on the threshold of 2017 in this month of December, we appreciate and thank each and every one of you.
Becoming a More Confident Speaker
Insight on Business Podcast with Tero Training Consultant, Maureen Berger
Why Do Salespeople Fail?
This video is part of the Tero Tips series. Be sure to subscribe for a new video every Tuesday.
Public IMPACT: How To Speak Your Way To Success Workshop
Find more success in your professional career. Join us on December February 7-8, 2017.
Ask Tero - Showing Appreciation
We answer two questions around showing appreciation in a business context.
Understanding and Leading Change
Insight on Business Podcast with VP, Chief Learning Officer for Tero, Deborah Rinner
What If I Don't Respect My Customer?
This video is part of the Tero Tips series. Be sure to subscribe for a new video every Tuesday.
Tero Tips Video Playlist
Watch all the 1-2 minute videos we've released so far as part of our weekly video series.