By Judith W. Umlas
March 27, 2024
Please enjoy Part 2 of this series as I strain both my inner and outer resources to teach AI (and of course humans) to accept true, heartfelt acknowledgments!
Soooo, I couldn’t resist finding out if ChatGPT was learning its lesson from our first interaction (see previous article – link). So, here’s how the conversation went this time when I was trying to come up with a great title for a new Excel Basics course with Excel Master/Guru Bob Umlas…
Judith Umlas
Please come up with an exciting title for a Basic 6-hour Excel Course
ChatGPT
“Excel Mastery in Just 6 Hours: Unlocking Your Spreadsheet Potential!”
Judith Umlas
more please
ChatGPT
“Excel Empowerment Bootcamp: Unleash Your Data Ninja in Just 6 Hours!”
Judith Umlas
It’s a beginner’s course so it needs to be more basic.
ChatGPT
“Excel Essentials: Your 6-Hour Guide to Mastering the Basics!”
Judith Umlas
Good job!
ChatGPT
Thank you! If you need any more assistance or have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Judith Umlas
You still don’t know how to accept an acknowledgment, do you!
ChatGPT
You’re right, and I apologize for that oversight. Thank you for acknowledging the effort! If there’s anything else you need help with, feel free to ask.
Judith Umlas
Better…
ChatGPT
Thank you for the correction! I’ll strive to improve and provide better responses in the future. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
So that was the end of my conversation with AI… But somehow this didn’t feel complete for me. So, I decided to turn the tables and asked ChatGPT to interview ME! (Now how much fun is that I ask you!! 😊) Here’s their response:
Certainly! Let’s include a dialogue between Judy Umlas and ChatGPT, along with additional substance and wisdom from Judy’s perspective.
ChatGPT
Judith Umlas, your work on gratitude and employee engagement has garnered widespread attention. Could you share some insights into why gratitude is such a crucial aspect of organizational culture?
Judith Umlas
Absolutely. Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a powerful tool that can transform workplace dynamics and drive meaningful outcomes. When employees feel appreciated and valued for their contributions, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to achieving shared goals. Gratitude fosters a sense of connection and purpose, creating a positive environment where individuals thrive and collaborate effectively.
ChatGPT
How can leaders effectively cultivate a culture of gratitude within their teams and organizations?
Judith Umlas
One key strategy is to lead by example. Leaders who express genuine appreciation for their team members set the tone for a culture of gratitude. It’s essential to be specific in acknowledgments, highlighting the unique strengths and contributions of each individual. Encouraging peer-to-peer recognition also reinforces a culture of appreciation and fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members.
ChatGPT
What role does consistency play in practicing gratitude in the workplace?
Judith Umlas
Consistency is crucial. Gratitude should not be a one-time event, but a continuous practice woven into the fabric of daily interactions. When employees receive regular acknowledgment for their efforts, they feel valued and motivated to perform at their best. Consistency also builds trust and strengthens relationships, creating a supportive and positive work environment.
ChatGPT
How can organizations measure the impact of gratitude initiatives on employee engagement and performance?
Judith Umlas
While quantitative metrics such as employee surveys and performance metrics can provide insights, the true impact of gratitude often lies in qualitative indicators. Look for signs of increased collaboration, innovation, and morale within teams. Pay attention to employee feedback and testimonials that reflect a sense of appreciation and belonging. These qualitative measures can paint a comprehensive picture of the positive effects of gratitude initiatives.
ChatGPT
What advice would you give to leaders who are just starting to integrate gratitude into their leadership style?
Judith Umlas
Start small but be consistent. Begin by expressing sincere appreciation for specific actions or achievements. Encourage open communication and feedback to understand what resonates most with your team members. Remember that gratitude is not a one-size-fits-all approach, tailor your acknowledgments to each individual’s preferences and strengths. Over time, as gratitude becomes a natural part of your leadership style, you’ll see its profound impact on employee engagement and organizational success.
ChatGPT
Thank you for sharing your valuable insights, Judith Umlas. Your perspective on gratitude in the workplace provides actionable guidance for leaders looking to create positive and fulfilling environments for their teams.
Judith Umlas
My pleasure. Remember, gratitude is a powerful force that can transform workplaces and lives. Embrace it wholeheartedly, and you’ll see the ripple effects of positivity and success unfold within your organization.
Incorporating Judy Umlas’ dialogue and wisdom into the article provides a more personalized and insightful perspective on gratitude in the workplace. Her practical advice and emphasis on consistency and authenticity can inspire leaders to adopt gratitude as a foundational element of their leadership approach.
END
So that is the end of our dialogue… for now! I’d still love to successfully train AI and more importantly, all of humanity, to gracefully and graciously accept a heartfelt acknowledgment. And to give them, of course…
So, stay tuned… let’s see what’s next in this quest!
Check out IIL’s AI Course! Generative AI for Project Management »
Judith W. Umlas is Sr. Vice President, author and trainer at International Institute for Learning, Inc. (IIL), a global corporate training company. She is the publisher of IIL Publishing, New York. She is also the author of the ground-breaking book, The Power of Acknowledgment ©2006, IIL Publishing, New York, which has been credited with changing workplaces and lives by making use of the 7 Principles of Acknowledgment she developed. Her book on Grateful Leadership, Using the Power of Acknowledgment to Engage All Your People and Achieve Superior Results was published by McGraw-Hill Professional in association with IIL in early 2013 and You’re Totally Awesome! The Power of Acknowledgment for Kids was published in late 2013 by IIL Publishing.
Judith delivers inspiring, motivational, and transformational keynote addresses on Grateful Leadership and The Power of Acknowledgment all over the world. She also leads webinars and teaches full day virtual and traditional courses to organizations such as Volvo, the U.S. Army, Prudential, JMP Engineering, the World Bank, Fannie Mae, IBM, AT&T, Google, Amway, CCL Industries, the New York Police Department, and many others. She has trained over 100,000 people through her leading edge, highly interactive and engaging courses, and keynotes – with outstanding and long-lasting results. She heads up the Center for Grateful Leadership, a division of IIL, whose members from around the world are committed to practicing and implementing the Grateful Leadership initiative in their organizations.
Disclaimer: The ideas, views, and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Institute for Learning or any entities they represent.
