Episode 318: What if one leadership communication skill could instantly energize your relationships and boost your impact?
In this episode, you’ll discover a communication tool that goes far beyond a quick “thank you.” It’s about tapping into genuine gratitude in a way that not only uplifts others but also transforms how you show up as a leader. If you’ve ever wanted your team to feel more valued and engaged—or you’ve been searching for a way to feel more grounded and joyful yourself—this conversation is exactly what you need.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with when you listen:
- How writing letters of gratitude benefits not just the recipient, but you as the writer.
- Seven proven ways gratitude strengthens leadership, builds loyalty, and elevates morale.
- Practical, easy-to-use frameworks to express meaningful appreciation—even if writing isn’t your thing.
Press play now to learn how gratitude can become your secret leadership advantage—and start practicing a skill that will transform both your career and your life.
Foundations of Gratitude in Leadership
[00:00] – One Transformational Practice
David Dye introduces the episode with the promise of one practice that will transform your relationships, energize people around you, and improve your quality of life.
[02:59] – The First Letter of Gratitude
Joel Zuckerman shares how writing a single letter of gratitude unexpectedly became the catalyst for writing hundreds more and eventually a book.
[05:31] – Gratitude as a Leadership Communication Skill
The hosts discuss how gratitude shifts mindset, calms demeanor, and reframes work as a gift—making it a powerful leadership communication skill.
[06:27] – Why Gratitude Matters for Millennials and Gen Z
Joel explains Deloitte’s research showing that younger workers value being seen, valued, and recognized more than salary or vacation time.
[08:35] – The Seven Pillars of Expressive Gratitude
From personal joy to the ripple and legacy effects, Joel outlines the seven benefits of writing meaningful letters of gratitude.
Practical Tools and Leadership Communication Skills in Action
[12:24] – What a Letter of Gratitude Is (and Isn’t)
Joel clarifies the difference between a heartfelt letter of gratitude and a standard thank-you note or quick emoji response.
[17:28] – Seven Paragraphs, Seven Sentences, Seven Words
A simple framework to help leaders use gratitude consistently, even if they don’t consider themselves writers.
[18:55] – Micro-Messages of Gratitude
Joel shares short, powerful phrases—like “This department would not run without you”—that instantly strengthen leadership communication skills.
[20:28] – Balancing Vulnerability and Recognition
The conversation covers leaders’ concerns about being “too complimentary” and how to calibrate gratitude while maintaining accountability.
[28:59] – Gratitude and Career Growth
Joel cites Harvard Business School research showing how gratitude makes employees more likable—and more likely to be promoted.
About Joel Zuckerman:
Joel Zuckerman has written for decades about golf, travel, and sports for all sorts of different publications, and this year, he released a book that we are very excited to share with you in this episode. The book is called Gratitude Tiger, and it’s all about a specific practice that’s going to create more joy for you and for others.
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