Featured August 12, 2024 Lessons from leadership luminaries Back to Blog Practicing gratitude to navigate uncertain times: 5 tips for federal employees Date November 25, 2024 Authors Amiko Matsumoto, Sadie Yoder Tags Leadership and Collaboration There is perhaps no greater change career civil servants experience than a presidential transition to a new administration, a period that often triggers leadership turnover, vacancies in key positions and shifting policy priorities. Change can feel overwhelming. To productively move forward, it is important to incorporate self-awareness and engage others, competencies included in the Partnership for Public Service’s Public Service Leadership Model. Gratitude can play also play a pivotal role. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic and others, people experience physical and mental benefits when focusing on gratitude, like engaging in healthier habits and blocking toxic emotions. Additionally, gratitude can strengthen relationships, result in better sleep and enhance resiliency. Here are five tips for public servants to embrace this mindset to better equip themselves to handle adversity. 1. Reframing thoughts Practice reframing thoughts with a lens of gratitude. For example, reframe “This new process is frustrating” to “I’m grateful that I’m capable of learning new things.” This practice can change the way people perceive challenges and filter out negative thoughts. Here are some other ways to challenge negative thinking. 2. Gratitude journaling Write down what have gratitude for. This practice makes thoughts tangible and makes people more likely to express gratitude in their everyday lives. Daily reflection through journaling can also foster appreciation for the small things in life. Here are some gratitude prompts to start. 3. Writing notes Give someone a handwritten note. Physical notes are more personal than sending a message in an email. Handwritten notes reinforce feelings of gratitude for other people and can strengthen interpersonal connections. Make the content of the note specific. “Great job” lands differently than “You stayed calm when engaging with a difficult customer and helped find a solution. I’m grateful.” It may take a little more time but conveying this appreciation helps reinforce positive behavior and lets people know what in their effort made a difference. Consider tips for writing handwritten notes. 4. Verbal acknowledgement Call someone or send a voice memo to express gratitude. Like a handwritten note, a verbal acknowledgement can be more personalized and meaningful to the recipient. Sending gratitude through calls or voice memos can also improve verbal communication skills and strengthen professional relationships. The recipient will likely feel encouraged to continue positive behaviors because of a sincere, trust-building act of verbal acknowledgement. 5. Token of gratitude Keep a tangible token that represents gratitude. It can be a reminder to stop, take a few deep breaths and practice gratitude in small moments throughout the day. Try to notice this token at work every day, first thing in the morning. For inspiration, read through some of the entries on our Public Service Recognition Week Gratitude Wall, which include many things public servants do to make others grateful. Navigating change in government—especially during presidential transitions—can be stressful for career civil servants. While it may seem like a small action, focusing on gratitude is one strategy they can employ to manage this adversity. Are you a career federal employee navigating the presidential transition? Visit our website for resources on leading through change and information about what happens during the transfer of power. Amiko Matsumoto leads talent management and organizational culture efforts to ensure the Partnership continues to be a great place to work.
