CEO Notebook

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’m sure you are surrounded by familiar symbols of the season in your schools, whether that be handprint-turkeys or colorful cornucopias. Regardless of how your school recognizes the holiday, we all can take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of gratitude and appreciation within our communities.

A recent article in Forbes outlined just how powerful it can be. While the title is “The Power“The Power of Gratitude and Humility in Business,” of Gratitude and Humility in Business,” I see many ways the proposed ideas can be applied in the close knit communities of our schools.

Gratitude in the workplace goes beyond simply acknowledging a job well done, asserts author Dominique Harroch. Unlike superficial recognition, which can often feel like a checkbox exercise or a forced obligation, genuine gratitude stems from a place of deep appreciation. “When leaders prioritize genuine appreciation over recognition for recognition's sake, their teams can tell the difference,” Harroch wrote.

Harroch offers a few practical tips to show genuine appreciation:

Start Small.

Make it a habit to thank coworkers for their contributions, no matter how small. Publicly recognizing others not only strengthens relationships but also builds trust within the team. As Harroch suggests, before hitting send on any email or message, take a moment to ask if you can acknowledge or appreciate something about the recipient. Taking this extra step can make a significant difference in fostering a positive work environment.

Keep Track.

Keep notes on how your colleagues are helpful, kind or contribute to the success of the school. At NBOA, we’ve introduced a relatively new tradition called the G.E.M. (“Going the Extra Mile”) Award, which we started several years ago to recognize staff members who go above and beyond their usual responsibilities. Colleagues nominate colleagues, so it’s a peer to peer recognition. The award is given twice a year, and many of us find it useful to jot down notes whenever a colleague does something exceptional, making it easier to recall their contributions when it’s time for nominations.

Acknowledge the Individual.

Acknowledging an employee's best work goes a long way toward making them feel valued. In fact, recent research by Gallup and Workhuman reveals that well-recognized employees are 45% less likely to leave their organization within two years. Workplace recognition can also provide a powerful signal to others about what success looks like within the organization. In this way, recognition becomes both a personal reward and a means to reinforce the school’s mission and culture.

Celebrate Team Successes.

In addition to focusing on individual achievements, celebrate the collective efforts of your team to build camaraderie and a collaborative spirit. A great way to do this is by applying for the Jeffrey Shields Innovation in School Business Operations Award Shields Innovation in School Business Operations Award, open through December 6. This award recognizes member schools that have demonstrated innovative approaches, programs or practices in school business operations. Highlighting your team's accomplishments through this award not only showcases their hard work but also sets an inspiring example for the independent school community.

In the spirit of collective recognition, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous effort our member schools have put in during the first half of the school year. Your unwavering dedication, resilience and hard work do not go unnoticed, and they truly make a difference in your communities. As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I hope you take the time to reflect on your achievements and give yourselves the appreciation you deserve. Wishing you all a joyful, restful and well-earned holiday break.

Follow NBOA President and CEO Jeff Shields on LinkedIn.