Gratitude extends beyond mere thankfulness. American educator and professor Randy Pausch said, “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”
Being grateful is not just a one-time action but a way of life. As a donor relations professional leading a team focused on expressing gratitude, cultivating this mindset is essential in everything you do.
Gratitude fosters a healthy culture both internally and externally within your organization. It’s a powerful tool to help others feel appreciated and acknowledged, and transforms your organization's culture into one that celebrates appreciation, thankfulness, empathy, and encouragement. The donor relations department is ideal for cultivating that culture of gratitude. And the best part is you can create a culture centered on gratitude whether you have a team of fifty, ten or even a one-person operation.
When you have a long list of urgent tasks, it's easy to prioritize connecting with others and scheduling calls while pushing the development of a strong culture of gratitude to the bottom of your to-do list. But what if I told you that focusing on gratitude could transform your relationships with co-workers, donors, and even yourself? To get started, let's engage in a quick thought exercise that might shift your perspective:
1. Think of two people who helped you do your work this week.
2. What did their help mean to you?
3. How can you show them you are grateful for them?
How did your attitude or demeanor change after answering these questions? Did you feel less anxious? More focused? Ready to tackle your next task with a renewed mindset? Studies show that people who regularly express gratitude enjoy better sleep, experience reduced anxiety, improve their immunity, and alleviate common issues such as headaches, stomach aches, acne, and even congestion!
Below are 13 steps you can implement to foster a culture of gratitude that will positively impact everyone interacting with your organization:
To improve gratitude internally:
Send monthly “Attitude of Gratitude” emails to staff that provide simple ways to show appreciation to each other and donors. Highlight staff members who have gone above and beyond in their work, reached a milestone, or had a great idea that improved how work was completed.
Ask staff to write a letter to two other staff members who have positively impacted their work environment and/or helped them significantly since the previous staff meeting. Put letters in staff mailboxes, or sort and deliver the next day.
Encourage collaboration between teams, departments, and units. To make the process as seamless as possible, provide letterhead to staff when they enter the staff meeting.
To improve gratitude externally:
Highlight underrepresented donor groups and show how their giving makes a significant difference. Tell the story of a donor who has given for the longest amount of time to your organization, highlight student donors, first-time donors, and donors who have supported an urgent need.
Mail (or email) a quarterly “Gratitude” newsletter to all donors that does not include an ask for additional giving, but instead highlights donors, thanks them for their giving, and shows the impact of giving.
Schedule students or recipients to make phone calls to thank donors for their giving.
Highlight donors on social media and thank them for their gift.
Host a Gratitude Day where students or recipients of private support write letters or send ThankView videos expressing their thankfulness to donors.
To improve your organization’s culture of gratitude:
Gratitude is most powerful when it reflects your true self. It is usually shown through soft skills that cannot be taught but can be cultivated. Here are some soft skills you can practice to develop a culture of gratitude.
Spend time meditating.
Make gratitude part of every day. Begin each day by listing what you are thankful for, and wrap your evenings on a grateful note by jotting down the things you appreciate. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that can transform your mindset and enhance your mood!
Practice active listening. Maintain an active posture and focus on the speaker. Ask engaged questions to help them feel supported and appreciated.
Show Empathy. Imagine stepping into someone else's world—embrace their struggles and let them feel your genuine understanding. A little empathy can go a long way in showing you genuinely care about their challenges.
Smile! This simple act can change the culture in your organization in such a powerful way.
People give and receive gratitude in different ways. Some like to be thanked and recognized publicly, while others prefer a thank you note left on their desk. Learn how others best give and receive gratitude from their behaviors and actions.
Additionally, the Four A’s of expressing gratitude are helpful reminders of how to incorporate gratitude into daily life and foster a culture of appreciation.
Appreciation: Take a moment to recognize and celebrate the beautiful aspects of your life. Embrace the joy and gratitude that come from these positive elements!
Approval: Recognize and applaud the outstanding work accomplished. Let others know their efforts deserve acknowledgment and appreciation for their impact!
Admiration: Make a point to shine a light on those who stand out! When someone goes the extra mile or lends you a significant hand, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts. A heartfelt compliment can make a big difference and encourage even more amazing contributions!
Attention: Give people your undivided attention and show them how much they matter. Let them feel genuinely valued in every interaction!
We hope these tips have sparked your own creativity and you are inspired to either start (or continue!) fostering that attitude of gratitude in yourself as well as your organization. We love all the expressions of gratitude this time of year, and we’re doing everything we can to help everyone keep that gratitude going all year long! Thank you for being a part of this amazing community—all of us at DRG are so grateful you’re here.
Written by Holly Kizer
