Thanksgiving in the USA is a time to reflect and provide gratitude and connection. So, what leadership lessons can we take to extend these sentiments to the workplace? Using them to strengthen leadership and teams all year round?
In the USA, reports show that people are less likely to express gratitude in the workplace. Even though many individuals wish to receive more appreciation at work. As Salt USA, we have been discussing with our teams the ways we build strong leaders. How daily habits and resilience are essential to create a positive work culture and we have also this year. Alongside thoughts from the Salt team, students from Lambda Chi Alpha have shared their thoughts on how gratitude impacts leadership and resilience.
Here is how our team and leaders of tomorrow are applying these lessons, and how you can express gratitude in the workplace every day.
Gratitude and its impact on leadership
James Walsh, Salt USA Lead, shares key insights into leadership and gratitude:
As a leader, it’s important to be calm and even-keeled at all times. Extreme reactions to highs or lows can create fear within the team. Building strong relationships starts with showing trust, respect, empathy, and humility.
James emphasizes that by leading with a sense of composure, you can create an environment of safety. Gratitude plays a role too:
I take moments to reflect and realize how grateful I am for my journey, the opportunities ahead, and the support of my family. Gratitude enables me to lead with balance and a positive attitude.
This approach, rooted in appreciation, underscores that leadership is not only about the goals achieved. It is also about the relationships built along the way.
Tristan Konkler, a Lambda Chi Alpha member studying Political Science at Franklin shares how gratitude and service play a role in his leadership:
“To me, self-motivation is key. As a leader, I am always on the lookout for members who want more than a partying lifestyle at college. I want members who aim to better themselves and others. Ultimately, they see value in doing good. In my chapter, we actively support the local soup kitchen, weekly volunteer at a food pantry, and recently completed a blood drive. In all of these experiences, from identifying the right new member to working with partners, I have learnt what it means to lead and serve others. And the result? In the last year, we have grown from nine to twenty-five.”
Colin Taylor, a Lambda Chi Alpha member studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati shares how small actions can rebuild community and foster connection:
“As a leader of 30 members, I have really learnt what it means to lead post COVID. To be part of a team, operate in a structure, or work to a greater cause, requires social skills. These were eroded during the pandemic. It’s like we all forgot how to connect, and for many of my brothers, being isolated became their new normal. My job now is to help undo that by engaging, boosting confidence, getting people talking, and reminding them what it feels like to belong to a group that is bigger than one’s own self. It’s not about grand gestures but the little things that make a difference. So, regular, intentional check-ins, no matter how busy my day is, are vital. If I am walking to my car or class, and I spot a member, I immediately engage in conversation. It’s all about talking and connecting. Those quick conversations might seem small, but they go a long way in rebuilding that sense of community. Leadership, I’ve found, is about showing up and making people feel seen. That’s how we move forward together.”
Three steps to workplace gratitude
The positive impact of appreciation
Expressing gratitude through simple acts of recognition and saying “thank you” is a powerful motivator. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to go the extra mile. Boosting productivity and morale.
Joshua Abel, a Political Science and French student at the University of Miami, emphasizes the importance of positivity in leadership:
“Start with the positive. That’s how I lead. It is so easy to get bogged down by small roadblocks and often overlook the significant achievements and accomplishments the team has made. We are a busy Chapter, and we are also novices. Many of us have never led projects or looked after a budget before. So, naturally, there will be mistakes. Starting with the positive lets members know that they are supported, that there is a way forward, and that any challenging situation is rarely as bad as they think.”
Employee engagement
Valued employees are more engaged, committed, and invested in their work. When managers take time to recognize individual and team efforts, it leads to greater job satisfaction and improved performance.
Justin Tate, an Agriculture Systems and Technology student at Murray State University, shares how Lambda Chi Alpha fosters engagement through resilience and gratitude:
“My time in Lambda Chi Alpha has been nothing short of transformative, molding me into a better man through a journey filled with challenges and growth. As a young leader within the fraternity, I faced numerous adversities that tested my resilience and determination. These experiences, though difficult at times, served as crucial lessons in leadership and personal development. Navigating the complexities of fraternity life and balancing the demands of leadership roles pushed me to grow stronger, both mentally and emotionally.”
Leadership responsibility
Leaders hold the key to building a culture of appreciation. By acknowledging and celebrating your team’s contributions, they foster an environment of trust, respect, and motivation.
Dominick LeBlanc, an Accounting student at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, shares how resilience and gratitude shaped his leadership journey:
“As a young leader, I cultivate resilience by staying grounded in my values and taking a step back to examine things on a larger scale. There are times as a leader you will feel overwhelmed, tired, and confused. In order to be resilient, you must accept that there will be challenges that you do not know immediately how to face, but when you stay true to your values and remember the scope and influence of your leadership, you will find solutions you never thought you’d find.
During my time as the president of Lambda Chi Alpha, there were moments when we experienced volatile budgeting scenarios. It was throughout these challenges we needed to exercise resilience, and that started with our leadership. I also cultivate gratitude by constantly self-reflecting and acknowledging when other people have aided me in my leadership.”
Fostering resilience through mind and body
For many members of the Salt USA team, resilience links to both physical and mental well-being. This connection highlights that great leaders understand the importance of self-care:
Wallace Williams, Tech and Engineering Principal Consultant finds strength through consistent gym sessions and football. “It instantly makes me feel happy and motivated.” Speaking with family back in England re-centres him on his goals. While self-compassion during tough times helps him stay grounded.
Elizabeth Kayler, Head of Sales USA views athleticism as a means to maintain clarity. “Strength training 5-6 days a week gives me a sense of accomplishment before my workday starts. Practising mindfulness through journaling and reading also keeps me positive.”
Alice Mcdermot, Marketing Senior Principal Consultant shared that investing in therapy transformed her work-life balance and that yoga keeps her mind and body in sync.
James Walsh, Managing Director North America stays resilient by engaging in sports. Skiing in winter and tennis in summer, linking physical activity with mental well-being.
Michaela Killick, Cyber and Information Security Recruitment Director prioritizes “a good night’s sleep and morning exercise” as the keys to strong mental health.
Billy French, Product Design Managing Consultant, finds running clears his mind, and playing competitive football keeps him in physical shape while offering a valuable social outlet.
David Delbecq, Commercial Director, uses tennis which he played at a competitive level to help reset. “I find this allows me to switch off for two hours each time.”
Gavin Arkinstall, a Finance and Marketing student at Butler University, highlights how resilience and gratitude thrive through shared values and connections:
“For me, cultivating resilience and gratitude is never a solo effort – it’s built through connections with others. Throughout my leadership journey, I’ve discovered that the strongest communities are rooted in shared beliefs and values. That’s why we support Indianapolis Ballet. Their mission to support people with Parkinson’s, through dance, resonates with our values and drive to make a positive difference. We have been able to raise $24,000, give back to the community, and fundamentally learn what it means to be part of a thriving team.”
Reflecting on gratitude: professional growth and impact
In James Walsh’s words:
With the roller coaster that has been the post-COVID recruitment market, I am grateful to have a job I love. Some of the people we’ve helped secure new roles had been out of work for extended periods, and new employment genuinely changed their lives. I’m especially grateful for my team’s resilience, hard work, and constant laughter.
Gratitude shapes resilience. Taking the time to reflect and appreciate each step can be transformative for leaders and their teams.
Connect with our Salt Team in the USA
