Leading with Gratitude by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton

Summary

'Leading with Gratitude' by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton reveals how expressing genuine appreciation profoundly boosts morale, engagement, and performance in the workplace. The authors use extensive research and real-world examples to demonstrate the tangible benefits of gratitude for leaders and organizations. The book offers practical strategies to help leaders cultivate a culture of appreciation, overcome resistance, and avoid common pitfalls. By making gratitude a core leadership tactic, both personal and organizational success are significantly enhanced.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Expressing sincere gratitude can dramatically elevate team engagement and motivation, leading to higher productivity.

2. Leaders who acknowledge and appreciate employee contributions foster trust, loyalty, and innovation within their organizations.

3. Cultivating a daily habit of gratitude helps leaders better handle challenges, empathize with others, and build a positive workplace culture.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2020

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 89

Practical Examples

1. Using Specific Praise in Meetings

   One leadership team made it a practice to regularly start meetings by acknowledging specific team member contributions. Instead of generic compliments, leaders highlighted precise actions and their positive impact. This recognition not only improved morale, but also inspired others to emulate outstanding behaviors.

2. Gratitude Notes to Employees

   An executive sent handwritten notes to employees who went the extra mile. These personal notes recognized the unique value each person brought to the team, leading to increased loyalty and motivation. Employees reported feeling seen and appreciated, which translated into greater discretionary effort.

3. Celebrating Milestones Publicly

   Leaders in a company made a point to celebrate both small and large successes in visible ways, such as company-wide shout-outs or awards. These celebrations helped reinforce positive behaviors and created a sense of shared pride within the organization. As a result, team members felt more connected and invested in their work.

4. Building Gratitude into Onboarding

   Managers incorporated gratitude into the onboarding process by welcoming new hires and expressing genuine appreciation for their choice to join the company. This set a tone of positivity from day one, encouraging new employees to adopt a similar culture of appreciation. This early gratitude improved retention and made new staff feel instantly valued.

5. Gratitude Routines Before Difficult Feedback

   Before delivering constructive criticism, a manager consistently began by expressing honest appreciation for the employee’s contributions. This practice softened defensive reactions and encouraged open dialogue, making feedback exchanges more productive and less stressful. Over time, the workplace saw improved relationships and problem-solving as a result.

6. Gratitude Walls or Boards

   Organizations created communal spaces, either physical boards or digital platforms, where employees could post notes of thanks to colleagues. This not only recognized individual contributions, but also built a sense of community across departments. Such habits built a more supportive and collaborative environment.