Tag Archive for: gratitude

Emotional Intelligence, Gratitude Go Hand in Hand

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In thinking about emotional intelligence, it seems to have become a buzzword in business. For successful enterprises, it’s so much more.

Kevin Guest | Power of Emotional IntelligenceThe notion of understanding and managing our emotions in the workplace isn’t necessarily new, but today more than ever it’s crucial, I believe, in achieving success. In an age when businesses seek innovative strategies for a competitive edge, emotional intelligence is key.

Cultivating emotional intelligence among leaders and employees is a game-changing approach to gain momentum and drive business success. I’ve found this skill to be a linchpin for success across diverse industries and markets globally.

Recent Harvard Business School research provides compelling evidence of the transformative power of EI in business. The study underscores that emotionally intelligent leaders can create a positive work environment, significantly motivating their teams and instilling a sense of belonging among employees.

Another Harvard study concluded that 200 companies with a high level of emotional intelligence saw output increase by 20 percent. The message is clear: Emotional intelligence is not just a buzzword; it’s a key driver of business excellence. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and emotional management, companies can boost productivity remarkably.

Gratitude Plays a Role

And nestled within the important realm of emotional intelligence is gratitude. It’s top-of-mind for us in the United States as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It’s no coincidence that November is also National Gratitude Month.

In this space last year, I shared five ideas to show gratitude that might even go above and beyond a simple thank you:

  • Making a phone call
  • Writing a handwritten note
  • Offering an in-person expression of gratitude
  • Stating gratitude of another to them in front of others
  • Saying thank you by taking a friend out to lunch or dinner

I’m always looking for ways to demonstrate gratitude. I approach EI with a grateful heart as I seek to foster skills of perspective and understanding. This reminds me of an allegory I share in my book, All the Right Reasons, about a currant bush that “complains” about being trimmed prematurely, only to realize later that this pruning was necessary for it to reach its full potential. Much like the bush, our growth often comes from challenges.

Read More: The Currant Bush Principle

So, what does this mean for us in the business world? It means that by focusing on EI, we can boost productivity remarkably and create a harmonious work environment. It’s an initiative that holds the promise to transform business leaders and teams to higher levels of success.

As we communicate effectively with a strong sense of empathy, accountability, and flexibility, we’ll find that we handle stress better and act with a greater perspective, which benefits everyone.

Let’s embrace EI — and remember to express gratitude — for a more empathetic, productive, and successful tomorrow. Together, we can redefine the future of business.

Emotional Intelligence

I shared these thoughts in a LinkedIn post and news release published on Nov. 1, 2023. I also shared a version with e-newsletter subscribers on Nov. 21. Please consider subscribing.

Showing Gratitude: 5 Ways to Say Thank You

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Gratitude is so important. And this time of year, it’s top-of-mind for us in the United States as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It’s no coincidence that November is also National Gratitude Month.

Earlier this year, I began writing daily in a gratitude journal to express thanks for the many blessings in my life. It’s my commitment as part of USANA’s #StartSomething! campaign. The global campaign encourages each of us to start something that can create change in ourselves and inspire others. Here’s more on my commitment:

National Gratitude Month

In celebration of National Gratitude Month, I’d like to share five rare ways to say thank you. Expressing thanks demonstrates how much you appreciate others. Plus, saying thank you could also help to lower your stress.

We all have so much to be thankful for, and in this month of gratitude, we can especially show appreciation to those around us in thoughtful ways.

Here are some ideas to show gratitude that might even go above and beyond a simple thank you:

  • Making a phone call
  • Writing a handwritten note
  • Offering an in-person expression of gratitude
  • Stating gratitude of another to them in front of others
  • Saying thank you by taking a friend out to lunch or dinner

In my book, All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, I share many lessons of the power of gratitude with others.

One time, I traveled to a faraway country for business. It was close to Christmas, and I had already been traveling for three straight weeks. I didn’t want to go anywhere so close to Christmas. I didn’t want to fly halfway around the globe for what I expected to be a two-hour meeting.

Couldn’t I solve the problem from my office in a virtual meeting?

I’ve learned that sometimes you have to put technology away and do things in person. That was one of those times.

It would have been easy to talk myself out of that trip, but I paid attention to the distress signals and knew I must make the visit. My efforts to be there in person did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Benefits of Giving Thanks

I’ve written before about the impact an interaction with Beatles drummer Ringo Starr had on me. Ringo chooses to treat people with respect and warmth. He chooses to be the kind of person he wants to be.

As one’s level of thankfulness grows, I’ve seen three key benefits emerge: Levels of stress drop, energy levels increase, and people discover the life they truly want.

Research about gratitude indicates that those who have gratitude in their hearts are more likely to achieve their goals. As your gratefulness grows, your dream life is built. That’s the mark of living a life in harmony. It elevates you to allow your best self to come forward for you and for all those around you.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Nov. 1, 2022, in honor of National Gratitude Month. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony is available on Amazon. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.