The Power of Gratitude

Welcome to our Thanksgiving episode of Success Your Own Way! In this episode we take a journey into the power of gratitude—what it truly means, why it matters, and how it can transform our lives.

You’ll hear us reflect on the joys and challenges of the past year.  Personal stories and moments of thankfulness—from everyday experiences like taking a child to the movies, to life-changing journeys toward parenthood will be shared. We revisit moments from the season, highlighting what our guests are most grateful for: family, friends, mentors, resilience through hardship, and the opportunity to give back.

Our guests open up about navigating adversity, practicing self-advocacy, and the importance of both receiving and giving support. Along the way, we offer practical tips to help you weave gratitude into your daily life—whether it’s through journaling, mindful reflection, or simple acts of kindness. As the holiday season begins, join us in celebrating the ordinary and extraordinary moments that make life meaningful.

Thanksgiving Reflections: The Power of Gratitude


We’re deeply grateful for our guests, our listeners, and the community we’ve built together. Tune in for this inspiring conversation. It will leave you feeling connected, uplifted, and ready to find gratitude in every day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude as a Leadership Practice

Gratitude as a leadership practice in the workplace is far more than a fleeting “thank you” scribbled on a sticky note or tacked onto the end of an email. For leaders, genuine gratitude is a powerful tool that shapes culture, boosts morale, and helps teams navigate the inevitable storms of high-stress seasons. When leaders weave appreciation into the very fabric of their leadership style, it becomes a steadying force that can sustain and energize teams through the toughest challenges.

Why Gratitude Matters in Leadership

Research consistently shows that when employees feel genuinely valued, they are more engaged, resilient, and productive. Gratitude helps build trust, fosters psychological safety, and encourages open communication – all essentials when workloads spike, deadlines loom, or uncertainty shakes the status quo. Yet, expressing gratitude requires intention. It’s not just about saying “thanks”; it’s about creating a culture where appreciation is visible, specific, and woven into daily interactions.

Practical Ways to Embed Gratitude Into Team Culture
Model Authentic Recognition

Leaders set the tone. Express gratitude openly and sincerely, highlighting specific actions or attitudes rather than offering generic praise. For example, instead of “Great job,” try “I appreciate the extra effort you put in to help us meet last week’s deadline. Your dedication made a real difference.”

Make Gratitude a Habit, Not a Highlight

Build moments of appreciation into regular routines. Start meetings with a round of shoutouts, end project reviews by acknowledging contributions, or dedicate a few minutes each week for team members to recognize each other. Consistency is key; over time, these rituals become part of your team’s DNA.

Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Gratitude shouldn’t flow only from the top down. Create opportunities for team members to celebrate one another. This could be as simple as a shared digital “kudos” board or a rotating “gratitude champion” who highlights others’ efforts. When appreciation is mutual, it strengthens connections and reinforces a supportive environment.

Personalize Your Approach

Not everyone values recognition in the same way. Some may appreciate public acknowledgment, while others prefer a quiet word of thanks. Take time to learn what feels meaningful to each team member and tailor your gestures accordingly. This attention to individual preferences amplifies the impact of your gratitude.

Link Gratitude to Values and Purpose

Connect appreciation to the team’s bigger mission. Recognizing how someone’s actions align with organizational values or contribute to shared goals elevates gratitude beyond the transactional – it becomes transformational. During stressful times, this reminds everyone of the “why” behind the work.

Gratitude Under Pressure: Navigating High-Stress Seasons

When stress is high, appreciation can easily fall by the wayside. Yet, this is precisely when gratitude is most needed. Leaders can:

  • Check in more frequently with team members, asking not just about progress but about how they’re feeling.
  • Publicly acknowledge the extra effort, flexibility, or creativity being shown in response to challenges.
  • Celebrate small wins and incremental progress, not just final results.
  • Recognize emotional labor – the unseen work of supporting one another or maintaining a positive attitude under pressure.
A Sustained Commitment

Gratitude as a leadership practice is not a one-time action or a perfunctory gesture. It is a sustained commitment to seeing, valuing, and acknowledging the humanity and hard work of your team – especially when the going gets tough. By embedding authentic appreciation into daily practices, leaders can foster a resilient culture where people feel empowered, connected, and ready to face challenges together. Reach out if you want to learn more about how to make gratitude a part of your leadership shadow.

Gratitude, Grit, and Growth: My Take on Success

In Episode 11 of Success Your Own Way, “Gratitude, Grit, and Growth”, I had the opportunity to share more about my journey – a narrative of reinvention, resilience, and redefining success on my own terms. From my roots in northern Wisconsin and a career that began in chemical engineering, I evolved through entrepreneurship, leadership roles at Microsoft and UnitedHealth Group, and ultimately found my calling in coaching. My story is marked by bold decisions, taking on a variety of roles and challenges —like crawling under machinery in a sweltering factory—and shaped by mentors who offered wisdom from all directions. I reflect candidly on misconceptions about loyalty in corporate life and the importance of self-advocacy, especially for women. Today, I embrace a life of flexibility, purpose, and deep gratitude, encouraging others to align their work with their values and to never underestimate the power of asking for help. My message is clear: authentic success is built through courage, connection, and staying true to yourself.

Check out the Episode

 

 

About Tina Schuricht

Tina Schuricht has 25+ years of experience hiring, coaching, and mentoring across technology, healthcare, and insurance. She blends leadership expertise with a passion for coaching, helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. Known for being engaged, curious, and committed, she builds trust while driving accountability and growth. Tina specializes in leadership development, career transitions, and lasting personal change. A certified professional coach, she has held leadership roles at UnitedHealth Group, Microsoft, and Kimberly-Clark, with expertise in business operations, marketing, and technology. With deep corporate insights, she’s ready to support clients in achieving their goals and dreams through McGinty Coaching.

About Yifat Rogers

Yifat Rogers is a seasoned consultant with 20+ years in Food Science, Engineering, and Project Management. Her shift from corporate life to solopreneurship redefined success, prioritizing fulfillment alongside achievement. She founded Yaniv Consulting, leveraging her “Eureka Framework”—a fusion of mindset, expertise, and process—to drive transformative breakthroughs. Known for her curiosity, authenticity, and deep commitment to clients’ success, she fosters trust, motivation, and growth. Her expertise in strategic coaching and human development makes her a trusted partner in navigating career and personal growth. Through Yaniv Consulting, she empowers individuals to define success on their own terms, creating impact with purpose and balance.

Gratitude Can Help You Live the Life You Want

Gratitude can help you live the life you want. As we exit the Thanksgiving holiday, it has gotten me to reflect on the importance of being grateful.  Taking my kids to see a movie, being able to spend quality time with my husband, and living in a safe place – these aren’t things that everyone has the privilege of having. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a powerful practice that can transform your perspective and significantly impact your overall well-being. Embracing gratitude in your daily life can help you achieve the life you desire by fostering a positive mindset, enhancing relationships, and promoting personal growth. Here’s why gratitude is crucial and how it can lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Understanding Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, whether they’re big or small. It’s about acknowledging the goodness that surrounds you and being thankful for the people, experiences, and opportunities that contribute to your well-being. This mindset shift from focusing on what’s lacking to celebrating what you have can have profound effects on your mental and emotional health.

The Psychological Benefits of Gratitude

Practicing gratitude has numerous psychological benefits. It enhances your overall mood by promoting positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and optimism. When you focus on what you’re grateful for, it reduces stress and anxiety, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges. Gratitude also helps combat negative emotions like envy, resentment, and frustration, allowing you to experience greater emotional resilience.

Research has shown that people who regularly practice gratitude report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. They tend to have a more positive outlook on life and are better equipped to cope with adversity. By fostering a grateful mindset, you create a foundation for a happier and more fulfilling life.

Strengthening Relationships

Gratitude plays a crucial role in building and maintaining strong relationships. Expressing appreciation and thankfulness towards others deepens your connections and fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect. When you show gratitude to those around you, it encourages them to reciprocate, creating a positive cycle of kindness and support.

Gratitude also helps you develop empathy and compassion, which are essential for healthy and meaningful relationships. It allows you to see the best in others and appreciate their contributions, fostering a sense of belonging and community. By nurturing these connections, you enrich your social life and create a supportive network that enhances your well-being.

Promoting Personal Growth

Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-improvement. When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, you become more motivated to pursue your goals and aspirations. It encourages a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for learning and development rather than obstacles.

Practicing gratitude also helps you cultivate a sense of humility and self-awareness. It reminds you of the external factors and people that contribute to your success, keeping you grounded and appreciative. This humility can drive you to work harder, be more resilient, and maintain a balanced perspective on your achievements.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

Incorporating gratitude into your daily life doesn’t require grand gestures. Here are some simple yet effective ways to practice gratitude:

  1. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down things you are grateful for. Reflecting on these positive aspects can enhance your mood and shift your focus away from negativity.
  2. Express Appreciation: Take time to thank the people who make a difference in your life. A heartfelt note, a simple message, or a sincere conversation can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.
  3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and appreciation for the present moment. Focusing on the here and now helps you recognize the beauty and blessings in your life.
  4. Acts of Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness, whether it’s helping a colleague, volunteering, or simply offering a smile. These actions not only benefit others but also reinforce your own sense of gratitude.

Conclusion

Gratitude can help you live the life you want by fostering a positive mindset, strengthening relationships, and promoting personal growth. By embracing gratitude in your daily life, you can transform your perspective, enhance your well-being, and achieve a deeper sense of fulfillment. Remember, it’s not about waiting for extraordinary moments; it’s about finding joy in the ordinary and appreciating the journey as it unfolds.  So as we exit Thanksgiving and enter the next holiday season, I invite you to find gratitude every day.  If you think a professional coach could help you find your joy and live your best life, please reach out – I’d love to connect!