It Pays to Give Thanks at the Office

The Wall Street Journal:

Earlier this summer, Google’s Larry Page got the highest approval ratings of any chief executive on the job review site Glassdoor.com. His likable, low-key style accounts for much of his popularity—but so does his willingness to express gratitude to the people who work for him. The company’s own “Reasons to Work at Google” reflect his way of doing things, declaring: “We love our employees and we want them to know it” and “Appreciation is the best motivation.”

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Adam Grant, a professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, divides people into three categories—givers, takers, and matchers. Takers try to get other people to serve their needs, and matchers always play a corporate quid pro quo—they will help someone if they think they will get an advantage in return. Givers contribute to others without looking for a reward; they offer help, advice and knowledge, share valuable contacts and make introductions.

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Dr. Grant and Harvard Business School professor Francesca Gino designed a study in which they asked professionals to advise students about the cover letters they were using to apply for jobs. After receiving the suggestions, the students asked for help with another letter. Some 32% of the professionals agreed. But when students added a single line to their note about the first feedback—“Thank you so much! I am really grateful!”—a full 66% of the advisers agreed to help again. A simple expression of gratitude doubled the response.

Read the whole story: The Wall Street Journal