“Thanks Abi, you’re the best!” Tom posted in the group chat. Sure, he might have been exaggerating but I felt good about the compliment. Everyone feels good receiving gratitude; it’s the giving that we struggle with. We feel less like giving gratitude when we consider others as subordinate or undeserving. Yet, gratitude is a leader’s secret weapon.

A Glassdoor survey found that over half of employees say they’d work harder for an appreciative boss. In other words, when you show appreciation, people want to work for you and even go the extra mile. Thus, as leaders, let’s incorporate gratitude into our daily habits so that we may get more out of those we lead.

• Gratitude promotes buy-in and cooperation in the face of change.
• Gratitude opens doors to work, collaboration, information, and more.
• Gratitude increases your esteem in the eyes of your downline and colleagues.
• Gratitude strengthens work relationships.
• Gratitude is your return ticket for another favor.

So, how do you show gratitude?

• Just say it – “Thank you!” “You rock!” “You’re the best!” “Great teamwork!” “Good job!”
• Send a note expressing gratitude.
• Send a token of appreciation – lunch out, holiday bonus, swag, etc.
• Start meetings handing out kudos. You could say, “Thanks to Abi and Cole, we’ve completed this project on time.”
• Count your blessings. No other season inspires gratitude like this one. Over a million people have died, thousands are afflicted and struggling to hold on to life; some have lost their jobs. Yet others are battling mental fatigue. One must be grateful for every blessing big or small. Show it and watch your following grow.