Gratitude isn’t soft--it’s strategic.
For leaders, gratitude can be a powerful tool that demonstrates a genuine interest in helping people feel seen and valued. It builds trust and loyalty, as well as resilience, and can lead to a ripple effect of appreciation throughout an organization. And that’s one element that keeps high-performing teams focused and unified.
THE OPERATIONAL IMPACT
When I was an active duty USAF fighter pilot, gratitude wasn’t an option--it was an operational MUST. After every mission, we debriefed. The most effective debriefs weren’t discussions of what went wrong, but also of what went right; and we expressed our thanks for those who made good outcomes possible. That gratitude wasn’t sentimental--it was strategic; it reinforced the behaviors that helped us accomplish our objectives and kept us safe. The bottom line: no matter what your industry or mission, true gratitude isn’t just saying a quick “thank you”. It’s much more intentional than that.
Real gratitude is recognition rooted in respect for the contributions of others. It’s fundamental to good leadership because when leaders acknowledge the innovative spirit, diligent effort, and dedication to high-quality work of their teams, it deepens the teams’ connection and commitment to the mission. Gratitude fuels a purpose-driven team culture. Yet despite its power, it often gets overlooked.
MAKE GRATITUDE A PRIORITY
Gratitude is sometimes disregarded in high-pressure environments--as teams rush to meet deadlines, hit objectives, and focus on urgent tasks, human connection can be discounted. Knowing their work matters encourages teams to work with greater optimism, confidence, and courage when it’s needed. Gratitude can be your best tool for keeping up morale and fostering innovation.
Gratitude also shapes resilience in teams and helps them reframe setbacks as growth opportunities. When you acknowledge and express appreciation for what works, you send a clear signal: you’re paying attention and your team’s efforts matter. This is especially important when missions don’t go as planned--teams that feel valued are more willing to take calculated risks, adapt, and innovate.
MAKE IT STICK
When gratitude is woven into your work culture, it becomes an indispensable leadership tool. So I challenge you: identify team members whose contributions are moving your mission forward; and tell them specifically how they helped and why it matters. Be genuine. Be specific. Gratitude will become the strategic advantage that keeps your team flying toward success, even when the mission gets tough.
