Because there are so many great articles on employee engagement and creating a culture of appreciation in the workplace, I want to share the best of these resources with you. Here are my favorites from this week. I have included some of my thoughts on these gratitude strategies (“Grategies”) and would like to hear your comments too.

Customers-Employees-Leadership: Distinguishing Between ‘Caring About’ And ‘Caring For’- And Why It Matters by Max Iqbal

(Business 2 Community) When customers feel cared FOR “There tends to be mutual disclosure of the human kind: sharing occurs. And there tends to be smiling, even laughter. As a result of these kind of encounters, I find myself uplifted, smiling, grateful and with a sense of pride in being a member of the human race. These kind of encounters leave me with hope, with optimism in my footsteps.”

My Thoughts:  When we want to grow our business, it’s important that we start first by growing our heart.

The Wrecking Ball, Boomerang & Sandwich – 3 ways, as a Manager, You Could be Destroying Engagement by David Roppo

(LinkedIn) “Is it merely coincidental that companies rated by employees as being a best workplace also employ some of the most focused, energized, respected, well-liked and effective managers in the business world? And, is it also happenstance that these companies rank highest in productivity and profitability? I can assure you, there is a direct correlation!”

My Thoughts:  We focus so much attention and energy on what’s wrong and how to FIX it, instead of concentrating on what the employees are doing well and helping them to do more of that.

Appreciation Motivates Employees to Work Harder by Chad Brooks

(Huffington Post) “A study by online career site Glassdoor revealed that more than 80 percent of employees say they’re motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work, compared to less than 40 percent who are inspired to work harder when their boss is demanding or because they fear losing their job.”

My thoughts:  It takes a little time and zero dollars to express sincere appreciation to your team. This article gives solid ideas to create your own culture of appreciation in your workplace.

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Lisa Ryan, creator of Grategy® is a professional speaker and bestselling author who focuses on workplace culture. For more information contact (216) 225-8027. For information on Grategy® programs please visit http://www.grategy.com. Follow on Twitter: @Grategy