As Thanksgiving approaches, gratitude takes center stage. But for leaders, gratitude isn’t just about a holiday tradition. You can’t set-it-and-forget it.  Nope, it takes practice. It’s a year-round game-changer. In Hidden Potential, Adam Grant emphasizes how small acts of gratitude can have profound impacts on relationships, motivation, and even team performance. He calls it one of the most underestimated tools in a leader’s arsenal.

Let’s talk about why gratitude matters, not just for turkey dinners and pumpkin pie, but for creating thriving, high-performing teams—and how you can make it a cornerstone of your leadership style.

Why Gratitude is a Leadership Superpower

Gratitude, at its core, is about recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others. As Grant points out, it’s a powerful driver of connection and trust. When people feel valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond, contribute their best ideas, and stick with the team through tough times.

In fact, research cited in Hidden Potential shows that when leaders express authentic gratitude, employees are more engaged and committed to their work. It’s not just about saying "thanks"—it’s about making people feel seen and appreciated for their unique efforts and talents.

How Gratitude Transforms Teams

1. Strengthens Relationships: Gratitude builds bridges. It fosters trust and breaks down barriers, creating a culture where people feel safe to collaborate and innovate.
2. Motivates and Inspires: When you recognize someone’s hard work, it fuels their desire to keep striving for excellence. As Grant notes, gratitude is a form of positive reinforcement that helps people see their value and potential.
3. Reduces Burnout: Gratitude creates moments of reflection and positivity, counteracting the stress and exhaustion that can creep into high-pressure environments.

Gratitude in Action

So how can you weave gratitude into your leadership practice, especially during this Thanksgiving season? Here are a few ideas inspired by Grant’s insights:

1. Be Specific: Generic "thank yous" are nice, but specificity shows you’re truly paying attention. Instead of saying, "Great job," try, "Your creative solution during the team meeting really helped us move forward."
2. Write it Down: Handwritten notes of appreciation are powerful. In a world of quick emails and text messages, taking the time to write a personal note shows thoughtfulness. I try to write a note of thanks to a team member at least once a week.
3. Create Gratitude Rituals: Consider starting team meetings with a gratitude round, where everyone shares one thing they appreciate about a colleague or the team as a whole. This simple practice fosters positivity and camaraderie.
4. Express Gratitude Publicly: While private gratitude is meaningful, public acknowledgment can amplify its impact. Share praise during team meetings or on company-wide platforms to show everyone how much you value someone’s contributions.
5. Don’t Forget Upward Gratitude: Leaders often focus on thanking their teams, but expressing gratitude to your own mentors, peers, or even higher-ups is equally important. It creates a culture where appreciation flows in all directions. Leaders need encouragement from their teams too.

Gratitude as a Legacy

In Hidden Potential, Grant reminds us that leadership isn’t just about outcomes—it’s about the impact we have on people. Gratitude helps leaders leave a legacy that goes beyond goals and KPIs. It builds an environment where people feel empowered, valued, and connected.

This Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the people who make your work and life meaningful. Whether it’s your team, your family, or your mentors, let them know the difference they’ve made. And then, as the holiday season fades, keep the spirit of gratitude alive in your daily leadership practice.

The power of gratitude isn’t in its rarity—it’s in its consistency. As Grant says, it’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to unlock potential, create stronger relationships, and lead with heart.

So, what are you grateful for this Thanksgiving? And how will you use gratitude to lead, inspire, and transform your team in the year ahead?