To become a better leader, do this one simple thing.
I say thank you a lot.
When I’m checking out at the grocery store, I thank the cashier who helped me. After eating at a café, I usually say thank you as I leave. It’s my way of showing appreciation for the care they gave me. Maybe they smiled, or we had a nice exchange. They might have put time and effort into the meal I just enjoyed. So I express my thanks.
I also say thank you to my friends when we’re leaving brunch. I’m not only thankful to have good friends to share brunch with, but I’m grateful that they took time out of their day to hang out.
Maybe you have your own way of showing gratitude to friends or family, too.
But have you ever thought about how showing gratitude could shift how you lead?
Why Gratitude Works
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good habit — it has a measurable impact:
🧠 Rewires the brain: Gratitude strengthens the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain associated with decision-making, reward processing, and emotional regulation. This makes positive thinking more automatic over time.
😊 Boosts happiness by 25%: Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude experience a 25% increase in happiness levels.
Lowers stress and anxiety: Gratitude interventions significantly reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase resilience to stress.
😴 Improves sleep quality by 10–15%: Research found that participants who wrote down things they were grateful for before bed slept better and longer.
Enhances relationships and leadership effectiveness: Employees who feel appreciated by their leaders are 50% more productive and engaged.
All the great leaders I know create environments where people want to contribute. Gratitude plays a huge role in fostering trust, engagement, and motivation.
How Gratitude Elevates Leadership
Increases team morale: Employees who feel valued are 4.6x more likely to feel empowered to perform at their best.
Encourages loyalty: Leaders who express gratitude foster a positive workplace culture, resulting in higher retention rates.
Strengthens emotional intelligence: Gratitude helps leaders become more empathetic, leading to better communication and problem-solving.
Inspires innovation: A culture of gratitude creates psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable taking risks and sharing new ideas.
Doesn’t all of this sound amazing?
Then you might think, But I already have so much to do! How can I make gratitude a part of my day?
Don’t worry, I got you.
5 Simple Tips to Easily Incorporate Gratitude into Your Day
Write Down 3 Things: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. I love doing this first thing in the morning, but pick a time that works for you. Over time, your brain will start to rewire and focus more on the positive.
Be Consistent: Choose the same time of day to lock in the habit. Consistency is key.
Express Appreciation Daily: Thank at least one person you work with every day. Acknowledge their contributions, either privately or in a team setting. Extra credit: Try this at home with your partner or family.
Start Meetings on a Positive Note: Begin meetings by highlighting a recent win or expressing appreciation for your team’s efforts. It shifts the energy of the conversation and sets a positive tone.
Write a Gratitude Letter: Research shows that writing a letter of appreciation — even if you don’t send it — has long-term benefits on happiness and well-being. You can write it to yourself or someone else.
Gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you; it’s about creating a mindset and culture where positivity, appreciation, and connection thrive. And when you make gratitude a regular part of your day, you’ll see the difference — not just in your own life, but in the lives of the people around you.
So, who are you going to thank today?
