In a year packed with deadlines, decisions, and distractions, it’s easy to overlook one of the most powerful and profitable tools in your leadership toolkit: gratitude.
It costs nothing. It changes everything.
Research shows that teams led by grateful CEOs are more engaged, more productive, and more loyal. Statistics show that gratitude significantly boosts employee engagement and retention, with 80% of employees willing to work harder for an appreciative boss and 53% staying longer at a company where they feel more appreciated. But beyond the data, gratitude builds something strategy alone never can: trust that lasts.
This Thanksgiving, pause and reflect:
Who helped you climb a little higher this year?
Who challenged your thinking?
Who believed in your vision when it was just an idea?
We encourage every client to write three thank-you notes in November:
- One to a mentor (for their wisdom),
- One to a client (for their trust),
- One to an employee (for their effort).
Those three notes often do more for culture and momentum than a quarter’s worth of meetings. Even better? Write them by hand. A handwritten note feels intentional, and it lasts longer than any email ever will.
Try this today:
- Make a list of ten people who influenced your success this year.
- Choose three and send a quick note or email to say thank you.
- Bonus: Share your gratitude publicly. It doesn’t just feel good; it multiplies.
Now it’s your turn: Who will you thank this year? Download our free Thank-You Note Templates for mentors, clients, and employees to make it effortless.