Fostering Leadership Through Team Gratitude

Dr. David Blender

As Thanksgiving approaches, gratitude naturally comes to mind. But whether you observe the holiday or not, this is an excellent moment to reflect on how giving thanks enriches our connections and fosters goodwill. Research from UC Berkeley shows that gratitude creates a cycle of positivity and generosity—a principle that works just as well in the workplace as it does in our personal lives.

In fact, workplace gratitude is more than just a nice gesture; it’s a powerful leadership tool. According to a recent Glassdoor survey, 80% of employees say they’d work harder for a boss who regularly shows appreciation. That’s a clear business case for making gratitude a priority in your leadership style.

But here’s the key: fostering a culture of gratitude isn’t just about you, the manager, saying thanks (though that’s a great start). It’s about creating an environment where appreciation flows naturally between team members. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, employees are 36% more likely to positively impact financial results when peer-to-peer recognition is part of the culture.

So how can you embed gratitude into your team’s day-to-day interactions? Here are a few practical ways to get started.

1. Make Gratitude a Habit

Gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it has measurable benefits, like reducing envy and building resilience, according to Positive Psychology research. But like any meaningful change, it takes intention. Start small by carving out time in your team meetings to recognize exceptional contributions.

Even better, encourage peer-to-peer gratitude. You could dedicate the last few minutes of a meeting for teammates to publicly acknowledge each other’s efforts or create a shared space—like a Slack channel—where team members can express appreciation anytime. Simple habits like these create an ongoing cycle of positivity and connection.

2. Personalize Your Appreciation

Recognition lands best when it’s specific and heartfelt. According to Gallup, 74% of employees who receive regular recognition strongly agree that their work is valuable. That’s a powerful motivator.

Generic praise like “great job” might seem kind, but it can fall flat. Instead, try something like, “I really appreciated how you handled that client’s last-minute change. Your quick thinking kept the project on track, and it didn’t go unnoticed.” By tying your gratitude to a specific action or result, you show that you’re paying attention—and that you value their unique contributions.

One-on-ones are also a great opportunity for this kind of personalized recognition. These conversations build trust and remind your team members of the impact they’re making.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Not every win has to be monumental to deserve recognition. In fact, celebrating smaller milestones can have a significant impact on engagement and motivation. A report from Achievers Workforce Institute shows that increasing recognition frequency from quarterly to monthly boosts productivity by 40%.

So when your team is tackling a long-term project, don’t wait until the end to celebrate. Highlight incremental successes, like a team member leading a meeting with confidence or solving a tricky problem with creativity. These moments might seem small, but they’re the building blocks of big achievements.

4. Be Intentional with Big Moments

While everyday gratitude keeps morale high, there are times when a bigger gesture is called for. Did your team just pull off a major project or navigate a tough organizational shift? Mark the moment with something meaningful.

It could be as simple as a handwritten thank-you note, as celebratory as a team outing, or as restorative as an extra day off. These thoughtful actions go beyond routine appreciation, showing your team that you truly see their hard work—and value them as people, not just employees.

5. Amplify Gratitude at the Leadership Level

Recognition from leadership carries extra weight, so don’t hesitate to bring your team’s efforts to the attention of the executive team. When presenting a project, call out team members by name and highlight their contributions.

For especially standout performances, consider giving them the stage—literally. Letting a team member lead a key presentation not only shows your gratitude but also gives them a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. This kind of public recognition reinforces your appreciation and demonstrates your commitment to their growth.

6. Gratitude as Leadership

Fostering a culture of gratitude isn’t just about feel-good moments; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and connected. When you make gratitude part of your leadership style, you’re not just saying thanks—you’re building a team culture that thrives on mutual respect and shared success.

So as you reflect on the season of Thanksgiving—or any time of the year—remember: a little gratitude can go a long way in creating stronger, more engaged teams.