How managers use gratitude to boost team engagement
Discover how managers can use gratitude to boost team engagement, morale and performance. Learn practical steps for lasting impact in your organisation.
How can managers use gratitude to improve team engagement and results?
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What this episode covers
Many leaders focus solely on delivering results, overlooking the impact of recognition on team performance. This episode explores whether genuine gratitude can improve team engagement and productivity. Will Dahlstrom, former Infantry Officer and COO, shares how unexpected gratitude has helped him build stronger teams and offers actionable advice for creating a culture of appreciation within organisations. If you want to understand how recognition affects performance and learn practical steps to apply it effectively, this episode provides clear insights and examples to help you lead with both accountability and appreciation.
Who this is for: General managers and senior operators who lead teams and want to improve performance and morale through practical leadership techniques.
Key takeaways
- Showing gratitude alongside delivering results strengthens team morale and encourages ongoing high performance.
- Unexpected expressions of thanks can build stronger relationships and increase team engagement.
- Creating a culture of unexpected gratitude requires deliberate steps and consistent leadership behaviour.
- Military leadership experience highlights the balance between accountability and appreciation for effective team management.
- Teams with a culture of gratitude experience improved morale, engagement, and overall performance outcomes.
Struggling to build a more engaged and productive team? Discover how managers can use gratitude as a powerful tool to boost team morale, drive engagement and achieve better results. Learn practical steps to create a culture of unexpected gratitude that delivers real business impact.
What you will learn
- Understand how gratitude can transform workplace culture and team performance
- Apply practical steps to introduce unexpected gratitude in your team
- Recognise the link between gratitude, team engagement and business results
- Build stronger relationships and improve morale with actionable techniques
This episode features Will Dahlstrom, an experienced COO and former Infantry Officer in the United States Army, sharing his unique leadership insights.
Episode highlights
- (2:04) Will's military career and how it shaped his philosophy on leadership and gratitude
- (4:56) The importance of delivering results and showing gratitude to your team
- (8:21) How to use unexpected gratitude to build stronger relationships and boost team morale
- (20:53) Concrete steps on how to create a culture of unexpected gratitude in your organisation
- (24:44) The benefits of creating a culture of unexpected gratitude
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Get the Quick-Win PackQuestions managers ask about this episode
Does recognising employees actually improve their performance?
Yes, recognising employees, especially through unexpected gratitude, boosts morale and engagement, which in turn improves overall team performance and productivity.
How can I use gratitude effectively as a leader?
Combine delivering results with showing sincere appreciation. Use unexpected gratitude to strengthen relationships and create a positive work environment that encourages high performance.
What are practical ways to build a culture of gratitude in my organisation?
Start by consistently acknowledging team efforts beyond formal reviews, encourage peer recognition, and lead by example to make appreciation a regular habit within your team.
Why is unexpected gratitude more impactful than routine recognition?
Unexpected gratitude catches people off guard in a positive way, making it more memorable and meaningful, which helps build stronger emotional connections and boosts morale more effectively.