The Power of Thanks

About the Author

Eric Mosley is the cofounder and CEO of Globoforce, a leading provider of social recognition solutions. With extensive experience in employee engagement and recognition, Mosley has advised numerous global companies on leveraging social recognition to boost employee morale and business performance.

Derek Irvine, Vice President of Client Strategy and Consulting at Globoforce, leads the company's strategic consulting efforts. He has a profound understanding of how to implement effective recognition programs to enhance employee engagement, retention, and overall company success.

Main Idea

"The Power of Thanks" by Eric Mosley and Derek Irvine explores the profound impact of social recognition on employee engagement and organizational success. The authors argue that fostering a culture of appreciation within the workplace leads to increased employee satisfaction, stronger team dynamics, and improved business outcomes. Through practical advice and real-world examples, the book demonstrates how social recognition can be integrated into a company's strategy to create a more motivated and productive workforce.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Organizational Culture
2. The Rise of Company Culture
3. The People-First Workplace
4. Appreciation, Gratitude, and Employee Engagement
5. Understanding Social Recognition
6. Setting a Purpose and Vision
7. Social Architecture
8. The Evolution and Reinvention of Recognition
9. Putting Social Recognition into Practice
10. Building a Social Recognition Framework
11. Driving ROI and Business Results
12. How Social Recognition Impacts HR

Understanding Organizational Culture

Organizational culture is the foundation of any successful business. It comprises the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how employees interact and work together. As Herb Kelleher, cofounder of Southwest Airlines, put it, "Culture is what you do when people aren't looking." This culture drives employee behavior and ultimately impacts business performance.

A thriving company culture begins with a clear vision that inspires emotions, leading to behaviors that drive change. This cycle of vision, emotion, and behavior is essential for sustaining a positive culture. The key to a strong organizational culture is consistent reinforcement of desired values through recognition and appreciation.

“Culture is nothing less than the aggregate of tens of thousands of interactions and decisions every day.” - Eric Mosley

The Rise of Company Culture

The traditional model of employee loyalty and top-down management is outdated. In today's competitive environment, company culture is a critical driver of success. A distinctive culture, powered by shared values and behaviors, can set a company apart from its competitors.

Leading companies have discovered that a Culture of Recognition, where every employee is responsible for saying "Thank you," is essential for fostering engagement and performance. This culture encourages employees to live the company's values daily, leading to a more unified and motivated workforce.

The People-First Workplace

Empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial in modern workplaces. Great leaders and HR managers understand the importance of expressing appreciation and gratitude. Recognizing effort and saying "Thank you" can significantly motivate employees.

“At the most basic human level, recognizing effort and saying ‘thank you’ has astonishing power to motivate others.” - Derek Irvine

Research shows that praise and recognition are among the most important motivators for employees, even surpassing benefits and career advancement opportunities. Social recognition, a sophisticated form of communication, helps identify and reinforce the right behaviors, creating trust and social bonds within the organization.

Appreciation, Gratitude, and Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is a crucial factor in organizational success. Engaged employees are more willing to go above and beyond their job requirements, contributing to the company's strategic goals. A sense of appreciation and gratitude in the workplace fosters engagement by satisfying both individual and social needs.