GIFTING GRATITUDE
Learning to appreciate your team, clients, and industry-Privately and Publicly
D ecember is a special time of year. It’s a season of giving and the perfect opportunity to show gratitude to those around us. In school nutri- tion, giving back is a natural part of your job. You work hard to ensure that students receive healthy meals, but it’s also important to recognize and appreciate the efforts of your team, clients, and the entire industry. Showing gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s about making others feel valued and appre- ciated for their contributions. Here are some simple and meaningful ways to express gratitude privately and publicly. Writing Thank You Notes A handwritten thank you note can go a long way. It’s a personal touch that shows you took the time to ac- knowledge someone’s hard work. A thank you note can make their day, whether it’s a colleague who helped you with panning hamburger patties or a sup- portive client. Please keep it simple and sincere. Men- tion specific things they did that you are grateful for. This small gesture can strengthen relationships and build a positive work environment. Bringing Healthy Snacks to Share Food brings people together. Sharing healthy snacks with your team is a great way to show you care. It can be as simple as bringing in a fruit platter or home- made granola bars, which shows appreciation and promotes healthy eating habits. It’s a win-win! Plus, taking a break to enjoy a snack together can boost morale and create a sense of community.
Public Recognition While private gestures are meaningful, public recog- nition can also have a significant impact. Highlight - ing someone’s achievements in a team meeting or a newsletter can make them feel proud and appreciat- ed. It’s a way to celebrate their hard work and inform others about their contributions. Just be sure to keep it genuine and specific. Mention what they did and how it made a difference. Verbal Praise Never underestimate the power of a kind word. Tak- ing a moment to acknowledge someone’s efforts can be very impactful verbally. Whether it’s a quick “great job” after a meeting or a more detailed compliment during a one-on-one conversation, verbal praise can boost confidence and motivation. Creating a Culture of Gratitude Finally, fostering a culture of gratitude within your team is important. Encourage everyone to express ap- preciation regularly through team-building activities, gratitude boards, or even just starting meetings with a round of thank-you’s. When gratitude becomes a part of your culture, it can lead to a more positive and pro- ductive work environment. In conclusion, showing gratitude is a powerful way to build stronger relationships and create a positive at- mosphere in the workplace. Whether through a hand- written note, a shared snack, or public recognition, taking the time to appreciate those around you can make a big difference. This December, let’s make an extra effort to gift gratitude to your team, clients, and the entire school nutrition industry.
RESOURCE LINK
ICN Website
Patrick Butler, MS | Education and Training Specialist, Institute of Child Nutrition Patrick Butler is an Education and Training Specialist who joined the Institute of Child Nutrition in 2018. He primarily develops school nutrition education and trainings resources, including ICN’s Introduction to School Nutrition Leadership. Patrick is passionate about providing child nutrition professionals with resources that can help them improve their skills and abilities. Patrick has 9 years of experience in school nutrition. He also has a Master’s in Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Belhaven University. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with his family.
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