“Gratitude is an antidote to negative emotions, a neutralizer of envy, hostility, worry, and irritation. It is savoring; it is not taking things for granted; it is present-oriented.” – Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky

Although everyone is familiar with the term gratitude, as with every expression there are a multitude of ways of interpreting its meaning, particularly in a professional context. As Dr Lyubomirsky says it can play a major role to counteract and prevent negative emotions, which are generally toxic und rarely beneficial. Gratitude is far more complex than a quick “thank you”, in fact if expressed in a superficial or inappropriate way a thank you can actually have a far more negative impact than most would believe. In order to express gratitude, one must have a clear understanding of what the challenge comprised what its completion really entailed and the employee’s starting position. Did the employee go that famous extra mile to complete the task, go beyond what they would normally have delivered – exceed expectations?