A Super Power of Gratitude: Creating Connections in a Disconnected World
Have you ever experienced strangers transforming into friends in just an hour?
I have. Not just once, but hundreds of times over the past five years. And here's what's fascinating—it happens through the intentional practice of gratitude. Specifically, a shared experience of expressing gratitude.
The Current Reality
Around the world, people are experiencing a pervasive sense of disconnection, feeling isolated and alienated in various aspects of life. This is especially pronounced in workplaces, where the consequences ripple through entire organizations.
You might be witnessing this right where you work or within the teams you lead. The emotional and operational toll is significant, impacting everything from productivity to innovation to retention.
A Pattern of Connection
Through facilitating over 150 Gratitude Encounters™ in almost five years, I've consistently observed something remarkable: gratitude's unique power to connect people quickly and deeply.
I saw it and heard connection referenced again just yesterday. A group of us who had just completed "30 Days IN the Power of Gratitude" were together for a celebration session. I asked, "What do you choose to celebrate now from our journey?"
I choose to celebrate connection in whatever form and expression it takes. - Dan Moyle 🎤
In a moment, it hit me. This exact mix of people had never shared a conversation before, yet there we were—experiencing a profound bond created by gratitude. Feeling a deep sense of authentic connection.
The Workplace Amplifier
Here's where it gets even more interesting: When the people gathering aren't strangers, but co-workers who already share commonalities, the impact multiplies. The connections and conversations go further, faster. There's an existing foundation of shared experiences and goals that gratitude builds upon, leading several participants to describe a Gratitude Encounter™ as "the best team-building EVER!"
There's More to the Story
Actually, there's research and data that substantiate the stories of our personal experiences. Don't you love when data confirms something you stumbled upon "in the wild"?
I knew I couldn't be the only one noticing this. I started digging into the research. There's a growing body of research exploring the power of gratitude and how shared experiences of gratitude create and strengthen connection.
Gratitude isn't just feel-good philosophy, it's a game-changer!
Let me whet your appetite with a few numbers. We'll dig into more in the coming editions.
Shared experiences and expressions of gratitude increase social connection by 20%
Gratitude increases belonging -- one study shows a 45% increase.
Group gratitude practices reduced depression...one study documented 35%.
Shared experiences of gratitude increase team cohesion...up to 28%. -- What team leader doesn't want that?
Our own study shows hope increases an average of 25% in the course of an hour!
Best of All, Gratitude Creates a Ripple Effect
Gratitude is a gift that keeps on giving. What starts in a single session sparks lasting change. Here are a few ways how that works:
Teams report improved collaboration
Communication becomes more open and authentic
Trust levels increase
Innovation flows more freely
Workplace satisfaction rises
Your Team's Gratitude Journey
Let me ask... and invite you to share stories about your team's Gratitude Journey. Plenty of you are already sharing gratitude in powerful ways. I'll collect and catalogue a few of those to share (with permission) in the coming weeks.
Cambridge Air Solutions includes gratitude moment in their daily standup...you read that right. Every day, the 100+ employees gather in-person and online for a brief meeting. The meetings always includes gratitude. It's invited and welcomed, but never coerced. It's amazing to behold...and you can join in and watch.
What gratitude practices currently exist in your workplace?
How do team members acknowledge and appreciate each other?
Where do you see opportunities for deeper connection?
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, we'll explore:
The science behind gratitude's connecting power
What the data show about the power of gratitude
Practical implementation strategies for teams
Stories of transformation from real teams
Taking Your Next Step
If your team is experiencing disconnection now—don't delay. Take Action Now!
Allowing disconnection to continue is costly.
If you need help, contact me. I'll meet with you. I'd love to host a Gratitude Encounter Reset Session for your team.
Let's talk… soon...TODAY! You can book a call here. You can snag one of the spots currently available for teams ready to transform challenge into opportunity.
Remember: In an era where disconnection feels rampant, gratitude offers a bridge back to each other. It's not just a nice-to-have practice; it's a strategic approach to building stronger, more connected teams.