What Your Team Really Needs This Thanksgiving

Hey Spark Family, 

With Thanksgiving yesterday, I’ve been reflecting on gratitude—not just as a feel-good concept, but as a guiding force that’s shaped so much of my life.

Early in my career, I thought being a leader meant always driving forward, checking goals off the list, and moving on to the next. But I’ll never forget the moment when a team member pulled me aside after a tough project and said, “I’ve worked harder for you than I ever have for anyone else because you made me feel like what I did mattered.”

That conversation stayed with me. It wasn’t a grand gesture that made them feel valued—it was the everyday practice of showing gratitude: noticing their effort, celebrating their strengths, and simply saying, “Thank you.”

Now, as a mom and a wife, I see how this applies to my family, too. Every night before bed, we each share three things we’re grateful for from the day. It’s a simple practice, but it’s taught my kids to scan for the good, even on hard days. It’s reminded my husband and me to pause, even in the busiest seasons, and appreciate the small, meaningful moments.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about creating connection, trust, and a sense of belonging—whether with your team, your family, or for yourself.

Why Gratitude is a Leadership Superpower 

Gratitude has the power to transform relationships, teams, and even entire cultures. Here’s why it matters:

• Stronger Trust: Thoughtful appreciation builds a foundation of trust that strengthens every interaction. In fact, research shows that employees in high-trust organizations report 74% less stress and 50% higher productivity (Harvard Business Review, 2023).
• Higher Morale: Research shows that 81% of employees say they’d work harder for a leader who shows genuine appreciation (Gallup, 2023).
• Better Well-Being: Studies from UC Berkeley reveal that gratitude can reduce stress by 23% and boost happiness by 25%, leading to higher engagement and performance.

Gratitude isn’t just nice—it’s a measurable strategy for building healthier, more resilient teams.

Simple Ways to Lead with Gratitude

Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful. Here are three ways to make it meaningful:

• Be Specific in Your Thanks: Go beyond “great job” and highlight exactly what you’re thankful for. “Your creativity brought this project to life,” or “Your calm leadership during that client call was exactly what we needed.” Specificity shows you see and value their unique contributions.
• Celebrate Individual Strengths: Every person brings something special to the table. Call it out. Maybe it’s their ability to solve problems under pressure or their way of boosting team morale. Recognizing these strengths builds confidence and connection.
• Encourage Peer-to-Peer Gratitude: Gratitude doesn’t need to come solely from you. Encourage your team to acknowledge each other—whether it’s a shout-out in a meeting, a quick email, or a handwritten note.

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