Idea 19 - Say thanks to your manager this week - it might just make you a little happier

“It’s lonely at the top”

William Shakespeare

Ask any CEO, managing director, or line manager when the last time one of their team said thanks was, and the answer is usually … never.

Companies are usually pretty good at recognising their staff for good work, but the staff are generally pretty rubbish at recognising the good work their bosses do. I used to be a CEO, and very rarely did anyone say thanks, and I wasn’t that bad.

People forget that leaders are also people. Just because they have reached the top, it doesn’t mean they don’t have the same needs as everyone else. They still need recognising, and who better to give recognition than the people they most affect, their team.

So this week’s newsletter is going to be an extra short one with an extra easy tip.

This week’s tip to make you (and someone else) happy:

Go and say thanks to your manager.

Think of something specific that they’ve done well and tell them about it.

It will make them a little happier, as they will feel they are being recognised for their work, but it will also make you a little happier too. Showing gratitude is one of the easiest ways to feel happier today. It’s a scientifically tested technique that works very, very well.

According to the US Surgeon General’s guide to workplace wellbeing, being recognised for your work is one of the key drivers of happiness in the workplace. So, go on, make your boss a little happier today. As an added bonus, it’ll make you feel a little better too.

If you’re interested in the power of gratitude, here's a nice summary of how being grateful will make you happier, with some useful tips.