Gratitude Is A Leadership Practice

What Thanksgiving reminds us about culture, connection, and the power of being seen

As HR leaders, we often talk about engagement, retention, and performance. But beneath every metric is something more human: the need to feel valued.

Thanksgiving offers a timely reminder that gratitude isn’t just a seasonal sentiment—it’s a leadership practice. And in times of change, uncertainty, or growth, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have.

Gratitude Builds Culture

Culture isn’t built in all-hands meetings or mission statements. It’s built in the everyday moments:

• A manager who pauses to say, “I see how hard you’re working.”

• A colleague who sends a note of appreciation after a tough project.

• A leader who names the contributions of those behind the scenes.

These small acts of recognition compound. They create belonging. And they remind people that their work—and their presence—matters.

Gratitude Grounds Us in Transition

If your organization has faced turnover, restructuring, or rapid change this year, you’re not alone. But even in disruption, gratitude can be a stabilizer:

• Thanking those who stayed—and those who left—with dignity and care

• Honoring the effort it takes to adapt, stretch, and rebuild

• Celebrating progress, not just outcomes

Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard parts. But it helps us move through them with more humanity.

Gratitude Is Contagious

When leaders model appreciation, it cascades. Teams become more generous with feedback, more collaborative in conflict, and more resilient in the face of challenge.

Here’s the best part: gratitude doesn’t require a budget, a platform, or a perfect script. It just requires intention.

A Thanksgiving Reflection for Leaders

As you head into the holiday season, consider:

• Who on your team has gone above and beyond—quietly, consistently, or courageously?

• What relationships have helped you lead more effectively this year?

• How can you make gratitude part of your leadership rhythm—not just your holiday message?

At Silver Fern HR Consulting, we believe that culture is shaped by what we choose to notice, name, and nurture. This Thanksgiving let’s choose to lead with appreciation—not just for what our teams do, but for who they are.

Because gratitude isn’t a soft skill. It’s a strategic one.

About the Author

Andrea Lucky is the CEO | Founder of Silver Fern HR Consulting, a firm dedicated to transforming workplace cultures and driving strategic growth. With deep expertise in organizational transformation, talent strategy, and leadership development, Andrea partners with companies to align their people operations with their vision and business goals.

Known for her ability to shape cultures that inspire engagement and innovation, Andrea helps organizations navigate change, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and build workplaces that empower employees at every level. Her experience spans industries, with a strong focus on helping businesses create sustainable talent strategies that support long-term success.

With a keen eye for aligning strategy with impact, Andrea guides organizations in translating bold visions into actionable workforce solutions. Whether leading complex transformations or refining leadership frameworks, she is passionate about driving meaningful change that positions companies for lasting success.

Follow Andrea for insights on workplace culture, leadership, and the future of people strategy.