In this Messy Middle Moment episode, Amy Wilkins shares a profound reflection on the power of gratitude. As Thanksgiving approaches, Amy delves into how the simple act of saying "thank you" can transform relationships and dynamics in both personal and professional settings. Her personal experiences highlight the impact of expressing gratitude and the changes it can bring to team morale and performance.
Throughout the episode, Amy emphasizes the science-backed benefits of gratitude, such as serotonin and dopamine release, which enhance motivation and emotional well-being. She presents gratitude as a powerful leadership tool that can foster connection, improve collaboration, and create a positive work environment. Amy challenges listeners to engage in acts of gratitude, inviting them to recognize and commend their teams for their contributions. Such small gestures, she asserts, can lead to significant positive outcomes.
Gratitude isn't just polite, it's powerful.
When you say thank you, you're not just being nice. You're changing the brain, yours and theirs.
In the messy middle, when things are uncertain, complicated, or heavy, gratitude isn't fluff. It's fuel.
Thank someone today out loud. Be specific. Tell them what you saw, what it meant, and why it mattered.
Research References: studies and summaries behind the gratitude and neuroscience insights shared in this episode:
For more detailed sources, read my full blog article, Say Thank You: A Simple Way to Lead with Impact
