As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, the air is filled with expressions of gratitude and the classic "thank you" exchanges. While these words hold undeniable value, there's a depth to gratitude that goes beyond the surface-level courtesy. In this blog, I will unravel the intricacies of gratitude, differentiating it from a simple thank you, and explore its profound impact on leadership and building a culture of appreciation.

Thank You vs. Gratitude

A "thank you" is the social glue that holds our interactions together. It's the automatic response to a door held open or a favor bestowed upon us. Polite and expected, it often slips off our tongues without much thought. In some cases, I have even said thank you to people to remind them to be polite, or I have said thank you even though I did not mean it. My mother taught me always to say thank you as a means to “kill them with kindness.” Most of us have had that lesson and those moments. But how can we create meaningful moments where thank you is more genuine and sincere? Well, that is where I explored gratitude. My sister, Rochelle Valsaint, started a gratitude group, Sisters in Gratitude, on social media two years ago. I joined it thinking I might see a few people share positive updates about their lives and that I may occasionally post a few pictures of my family or news about a new work opportunity. I was wrong! It was much more than that. People shared deep, personal experiences that equated to embracing their emotions during the good, challenging, and the ugly.

Gratitude is a deliberate and profound emotion. It involves more than a polite acknowledgment; it requires us to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives and the efforts of those around us. Gratitude is an intentional mindset that goes beyond a simple exchange of words. It helps you notice even the little moments and how they shape who and how you are. The practice of gratitude is in knowing that every moment is how we learn and grow. And yes, gratitude is a practice; and a practice that has impactful, positive results.

The Power of Gratitude

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Research shows that practicing gratitude contributes to our mental well-being. It can elevate our mood, reduce stress, and bring an overall sense of contentment. Specifically, engaging in gratitude is associated with alterations in the brain's reward centers, empathy-related regions, and decision-making areas. These neurological changes contribute to an enhanced sense of well-being, emphasizing that gratitude is not merely a positive sentiment but has a tangible impact on the brain's structure and function.

Strengthening Relationships

Gratitude strengthens social bonds, fostering a sense of connection and support within communities. It creates a bond that extends beyond mere politeness, fostering a sense of appreciation and understanding. Additionally, individuals who cultivate gratitude tend to experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. Personal relationships, whether at home or in the workplace, thrive when gratitude becomes a shared language.

In the online article, How to Practice Gratitude, the authors offer 10 ways to practice daily gratitude:



• Keep a Gratitude Journal:
• Reflect daily on the positive aspects of life.
• Recall moments of gratitude associated with ordinary events, personal attributes, or valued people.
• Remember the Bad:
• Reflect on past hardships to appreciate progress.
• Contrasting difficult times with the present fosters gratitude.
• Ask Yourself Three Questions:
• Meditate on relationships by considering what you've received, given, and caused.
• Share Your Gratitude:
• Express appreciation to strengthen relationships.
• Communicate gratitude when someone does something meaningful.
• Come to Your Senses:
• Use your senses to appreciate the miracle of being alive.
• Gratitude for the human body as a miraculous gift.
• Use Visual Reminders:
• Combat forgetfulness with visual cues triggering thoughts of gratitude.
• Other people can serve as powerful visual reminders.
• Make a Vow to Practice Gratitude:
• Increase commitment by making a personal vow to practice gratitude daily.
• Watch Your Language:
• Adopt a linguistic style focusing on gifts, blessings, and abundance.
• Emphasize the goodness of others rather than personal inherent goodness.
• Go Through the Motions:
• Engage in physical expressions of gratitude, such as smiling, saying thank you, or writing letters of gratitude.
• Think Outside the Box:
• Creatively seek new situations and circumstances to practice gratitude.
• Share unique ways of incorporating gratitude into daily life.

Leadership and Gratitude

So, what does leadership have to do with gratitude? In the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, the connection between these two concepts might not always be apparent. We often associate leadership with strategy, decision-making, and the ability to navigate challenges. On the other hand, gratitude seems to find its place in moments of reflection, personal growth, or around the Thanksgiving table. However, peel back the layers, and you'll discover a powerful synergy between leadership and gratitude that goes beyond mere coincidence.

Leadership and gratitude are not separate entities; instead, they form a symbiotic relationship that has the potential to transform workplaces and elevate organizational culture. Expression of appreciation is not just a nicety but a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. 

Expressing gratitude isn't just about words—it's a powerful influence that leaders can use to shape their organization's atmosphere. Picture it as a series of essential actions: setting the tone for appreciation, actively creating a culture of gratitude, leading by example through personal stories, and tackling challenges with resilience. Let's take a closer look at these leadership moves that not only express gratitude but also make it an integral part of the organizational culture.

Say Thanks in the Open:

• Leadership Move: Regularly say thanks in meetings, presentations, or newsletters to recognize individual or team efforts.
• Impact: Boost morale and set a positive tone across the organization. It communicates that hard work and risk-taking is valued and celebrated.

Gratitude Sharing Spaces:

• Leadership Move: Introduce gratitude journals or boards for team members to share what they're thankful for or appreciate in their colleagues.
• Impact: Foster a gratitude culture by reflecting on the positives at work. It visually reminds everyone of collective appreciation in the community.

Personal Thank-You Notes:

• Leadership Move: Take a moment to write personalized thank-you notes for specific contributions or accomplishments.
• Impact: Show genuine appreciation, letting team members know their efforts are noticed. It builds connection and maintains a positive work environment.

Learn and Implement Gratitude:

• Leadership Move: Organize workshops or seminars on the importance of gratitude, providing tools for daily work life.
• Impact: Educate the team on the benefits of gratitude, empowering them to actively create a culture of appreciation in the workplace.

Gratitude in Team-Building:

• Leadership Move: Infuse gratitude into team-building activities, like a volunteer day or a gratitude-themed exercise.
• Impact: Strengthen team bonds, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere. Emphasize the idea that working together and appreciating contributions lead to collective success.

Express Thanks Regularly:

• Leadership Move: Start gratitude challenges, prompting team members to express thanks to a different colleague each week.
• Impact: Cultivate a habit of acknowledging contributions regularly, building a sense of community and strengthening relationships within the team.

As we move beyond the Thanksgiving season, let's go beyond mere thanks and embrace the power of genuine gratitude. It's not just a seasonal nicety but a force that can transform our workplaces and lives. So, let's do more than say thanks – let's live and breathe gratitude in everything we do. It's a simple yet profound shift that can ripple through our actions, shaping a more positive and appreciative world around us.

I invite you to share your thoughts on gratitude and any experiences you've had in fostering a culture of appreciation. Let's continue this conversation and inspire one another to cultivate gratitude during Thanksgiving and every day. Thank you for joining me on this exploration of gratitude and leadership.