As leaders we are constantly juggling complex challenges, and answers are not always readily apparent. We also know that the importance of engaging our workforce has never been more critical, whether in problem solving, patient care or taking care of a facility, to name a few. I think we all could agree that engaging and motivating others is core to leading well, yet research suggests we overlook the simple but powerful act of expressing our gratitude.
In discussing the science of gratitude, the Center for Creative Leadership cited research noting that only 15% of people regularly thank others at work, even though 80% of employees say they are willing to work harder for an appreciative boss. The CCL also pointed to a study that found that differences in levels of gratitude accounted for 20% of individual differences in satisfaction. What is also striking is that gratitude as a trait or act seems to have diminished in Western society, reportedly due to rising expectations.
There is also research to suggest that gratitude increases levels of wellness that has social, emotional and psychological benefits. Even more powerful is that once you note it, whether a sunny day, laughing with a colleague or friend, or an expression of thanks, gratitude has a domino effect. Once you receive it and acknowledge the positive feeling, you are more likely to reciprocate it.
Though healthcare is not known for simple solutions, this just may be the antidote we need right now. An easy choice to make that holds the promise to brighten a patient’s day, or a team’s progress, and can build to a strong ripple effect that reverberates throughout our organizations and communities. Gratitude is a perspective and choice we all make to see the good in our lives, each other and those around us—not to mention a leadership skill that, when leveraged in rounding or simple acts of kindness, can change a day, a mood, a culture.
In this season of giving thanks, it may be time to remind ourselves as leaders just how powerful gratitude can be. To get started, I would like to thank…
Our volunteers. ACHE has thousands of volunteers. Without them, ACHE would not be the community it is. This fall we held our Chapter Leaders Conference, and the spirit and excitement of volunteerism was evident. Volunteers are the driving force behind ACHE, and our Board, our Regents, chapter leaders and member volunteers deserve recognition for selflessly sharing their expertise, time and talent to help others learn, grow and connect. No job is too big or too small, from shaping strategy, to advising us on new products and programs, to selecting awards, to coordinating events, to serving as faculty for educational programming, not to mention the countless acts of helping others through advising, mentoring and more. To our vast network of volunteers, I thank each of you.
Our partners. So much can be achieved by working with others, and we are grateful for the ecosystem of partners we have. This includes our Premier Corporate Partners, associations that partner with us on safety and equity as well as growing and advancing diverse leaders, including our clinical partners. Some of our most tenured partnerships are with
the Association of University Programs in Health Administration in book publishing, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, and healthcare administration partners that participate in ACHE’s Higher Education Network. It is through these relationships that ACHE can fulfill its mission and extend its impact across organizations and professions to advance our field and the work we do every day. We are proud to stand side by side with each of our partners.
Our members. Each of you reading this article, including the 48,000 other leader members, are the lifeblood and soul of ACHE. Whether you are a CEO or a student, we are dedicated to supporting you wherever you are in your career and your work to advance the health of all. Through your service to patients, communities and colleagues, and through your support and participation for ACHE, be it nationally or locally, you are what makes our association what it is today. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to serve you.
As I begin to reflect on the year and all we have achieved, I am mindful that none of this happens without all those connected to the work we do. I am enormously proud to work with you and the incredible ACHE staff—so thank you. If you would like ACHE to send you or another ACHE member a personal expression of our gratitude, please email us at gratitude@ache.org. We would welcome the opportunity to tell you how special you are to us.
Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, is president/CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives (dbowen@ache.org).