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Say thank you

Improve team culture by showing gratitude.

Gratitude doesn't come naturally to a person but it is an amazing quality that can help start to promote a positive team culture.

Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

It is a great way to build relationships between team members, and also create a culture of acknowledgment.

Recognising that someone has done a good job, or gone out of their way to do something is one thing, letting that person know is another.

Saying thanks

It is only a small thing, but next time someone does something for you, say thank you. You will be amazed at how much of a difference this will make.

Kudos box

Giving someone praise or thanks isn’t always easy, an anonymous kudos box is great way to encourage people to give thanks without making a big deal out of it.

A kudos box is just another name for a feedback box.

Showing appreciation in a team

Another great way is to have a gratitude area on your retrospective. If you’re lucky enough to have a team doing a Realtime Retrospective then add a new lane for thanks.

If you are not lucky enough to be on a team doing this, then set one up!

Self-recognition and donuts

Taking time out to recognise your own achievements is a great way to improve your own mood.

I’ve found week notes a really good way to tease out some actual achievements over the course of a working week.

For the bigger achievements, Lara Hogan’s Donut Manifesto is a great way to celebrate.