Time to Read: 4 minutes
I want to dive into something that really transforms teams: leading with gratitude. I’ve seen leadership styles across the spectrum in my career at both startups and major tech companies, and I can tell you, nothing has instilled more loyalty and eagerness to do work well than working for leaders who show gratitude. This is a core strategy that inspires, motivates, and brings out the best in everyone.
What It Looks Like
- Leaders who recognize efforts—big or small—create an atmosphere where team members feel genuinely appreciated. And not just when you launch a product or get a feature out the door, but also for actions like staying late for code reviews or grabbing lunch for the team during an overrun meeting.
Why It Works
- Builds Trust and Loyalty: When people feel valued, they commit deeply to the team’s objectives, which translates to lower turnover and higher engagement.
- Fosters a Positive, Innovative Work Environment: Teams are more likely to take creative risks when they know their leader supports them.
The Contrast
- Leaders who rely on fear for quick compliance often create high-stress environments where they may see short-term results, but long-term creativity and satisfaction take a hit.
Personal Experiences
Thriving Under Gratitude
- In my time at both startups and Fortune 500s, the leaders who showed genuine appreciation for my work were the ones I would have followed to the ends of the earth. Their gratitude wasn’t just about being nice—it was strategic and it fostered intense loyalty and motivation.
A Glimpse of the Downside
- Conversely, I’ve worked with senior leaders who operated on a “Do your job and don’t bother me” basis. These were usually new hires or transfers that I didn’t seek out. The lack of appreciation not only dampened my enthusiasm but also made it clear that their leadership style wasn’t conducive to fostering a supportive or innovative team environment.
Practical Tips for Senior Leaders
- Encouraging Recognition: If you’re leading leaders, be sure to check in with your management team and ask, “Hey, would anybody like a shout-out?”
- Personal Appreciation: Most likely, you have regular one-on-one sessions to understand team needs. These meetings are a great opportunity to appreciate efforts personally.
- Peer-to-Peer Recognition: It’s not just about leaders recognizing employees, but also about building a culture of appreciation across all levels.
Interviewing Your Future Leader
- When preparing to work for someone, ask in the interview: “When was the last time you celebrated a team or individual success, and how?”
- Inquire about how they show gratitude. These questions can reveal a lot about their leadership style and how much they value their team.
The best leaders aren’t just the ones who drive us to achieve—they inspire us to grow and stand with us in both challenges and celebrations. I’m a firm believer in servant-leadership, and gratitude is a cornerstone of this philosophy. It not only enhances performance but also enriches our professional lives. Let’s strive to be leaders who lift others and create environments where everyone can thrive.