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The Power of Anticipatory Gratitude: A Modern Tool for Managers
MIndful Petals
September 19, 2024
Gratitude is often viewed as a simple yet powerful way to build relationships and promote positivity, both in personal and professional settings. But new research by Mandy O’Neill from George Mason University and Hooria Jazaieri of Santa Clara University reveals that gratitude can play a more proactive role in the workplace. Enter anticipatory gratitude — the practice of expressing thanks before an event or task occurs. This concept could change how we think about motivating teams and building resilience in employees.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
What is Anticipatory Gratitude?
Typically, we express gratitude after someone does something for us. Anticipatory gratitude, however, flips this idea on its head by offering thanks before the task is completed. O’Neill and Jazaieri suggest that this proactive approach helps regulate emotions, preparing people mentally for challenges ahead. By saying “thank you” in advance, employees are not only appreciated but also better equipped to handle the stress and demands of the task ahead.
Real-Life Example from High-Stress Workplaces
The idea of anticipatory gratitude first emerged in a surprising place — an ICU at a major U.S. hospital. Healthcare workers, dealing with incredibly stressful situations, often exchanged emails thanking colleagues for their efforts before difficult tasks arose. This simple act of preemptive gratitude boosted morale and helped team members handle the intense emotional load more effectively.
Research Backs It Up
O’Neill and Jazaieri wanted to see if this concept could work outside the hospital. They turned to Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk), a platform known for task-based gig work, to test how anticipatory gratitude affects motivation. Participants were asked to complete challenging puzzles, and some received gratitude messages before starting. The results were telling: those who were thanked ahead of time persisted longer, even when faced with negative feedback.
Boosting Motivation and Performance
One of the most surprising findings was that workers who received anticipatory gratitude were more likely to take on additional tasks, even without extra pay. Typically, gig workers stick to what’s required, but those who were thanked in advance felt more motivated and connected to their work. This sense of appreciation translated into better performance and increased willingness to go above and beyond.
Ethical Considerations
While the benefits of anticipatory gratitude are clear, there are some ethical concerns. Can managers use gratitude as a tool to get more from their teams? Some workers in the study recognized the potential for manipulation but still appreciated the gesture. This highlights the need for balance — managers should use anticipatory gratitude with sincerity, ensuring it’s not a substitute for fair compensation or ethical practices.
A Tool for Managers, But Use It Wisely
For managers, anticipatory gratitude can be a game-changer. It can foster a sense of resilience and motivate employees, especially in high-stress or demanding environments. However, it’s not a magic solution to deeper issues like poor working conditions or underpayment. When used thoughtfully, though, it can help teams handle difficult tasks while feeling valued and supported.
Why Does Anticipatory Gratitude Work?
The psychological impact of anticipatory gratitude is rooted in its ability to provide an emotional buffer. By showing appreciation upfront, employees are less likely to dwell on the stress of the task ahead. Instead, they feel more positive and resilient. This approach also strengthens the emotional bond between team members, making them feel like they’re part of something bigger.
How It Compares to Anticipatory Hope
In their research, O’Neill and Jazaieri also looked at the effects of anticipatory hope, a similar forward-looking emotion. While hope motivated workers, anticipatory gratitude had a stronger impact on persistence. Gratitude’s communal nature seems to have a deeper emotional pull, making it more effective at encouraging perseverance.
A Powerful, Yet Balanced Tool
Anticipatory gratitude offers a fresh approach to boosting motivation and resilience in the workplace, from high-pressure environments like ICUs to gig platforms like MTurk. However, it’s important to recognize its potential ethical pitfalls. When used sincerely and fairly, anticipatory gratitude can be a valuable tool for managers looking to support their teams and enhance performance without crossing ethical lines.