Today, I’m reflecting (as I often do) on the atmosphere within sales teams—not across the entire organization, but right down at the team level where people interact, hustle, and grow every day.
Have you ever strolled through the cubicle maze and felt the subtle (or not-so-subtle) differences in energy from one team to the next? From laughter and enthusiasm to stress and anxiety, each team’s atmosphere can vary widely. As a sales leader, your influence is critical in shaping that atmosphere. In turn, that atmosphere directly affects your team’s success.
Which brings me to today’s question:
Are you creating an atmosphere of gratitude?
Sales professionals know the importance of thanking customers, but how often do we express appreciation for our own teams? Are you showing your team as a whole—and each individual member—how much their work matters to you and to the organization’s success?
It’s easy for leaders to focus on perfection, expecting it to be the standard. STOP it if that sounds familiar!
Remember: gratitude goes hand in hand with growth, the effort itself deserves recognition. This means acknowledging your team regularly—not just for extraordinary outcomes like hitting targets or winning awards, but for each individual’s unique journey and contributions.
Think about the extraordinary from your salesperson’s perspective. Maybe it’s them trying out a new approach, making a challenging call, or pushing themselves on behaviors they find difficult, even if they haven’t hit target yet. These are moments worth celebrating.
Appreciation fuels resilience, courage, and motivation—all vital qualities in sales.
Today, commit to expressing gratitude. Share with each member of your team something specific that makes you glad they’re part of it. Gratitude is contagious. When you start creating that atmosphere, your team will feel it—and bring their best because of it.