Gratitude as a Leadership Practice By Rodney Bullard
Gratitude is often seen as a soft sentiment, a polite “thank you,” or a brief gesture of appreciation. But when it comes to leadership, gratitude is about so much more. I am constantly reminded that the greatest moments of clarity usually come when I have taken a pause to truly give thanks. For the opportunities before me, for the lessons I have learned along the way, and most importantly, for the people around me. And this season in particular is the perfect time to slow everything down and allow our focus to shift from what we lack to what we have. From what divides us to what connects us at the end of the day.
Gratitude helps keep us grounded. It is there to show us that leadership is not about recognition but about creating relationships where care is extended on both sides. For me, gratitude has many times been the anchor that allows me to lead with passion, not power. It grounds me in the understanding that leadership is not about standing above others but standing with them.
The Power of Gratitude and Humility
A true leader does not measure themselves with titles, but with the strength in their relationships. Strong leadership depends on relationships grounded in trust and mutual respect. And humility is what makes that all possible. Leaders who value the contributions of others and take time to express genuine gratitude create teams that can make it through any challenge.
Gratitude shifts the focus from hierarchy to collaboration. Meaningful progress is rarely a solo act. It happens when people feel part of something larger than themselves. When leaders celebrate collective wins instead of individual power, they build the kind of loyalty and engagement that keeps their teams motivated long after they leave the room.
Chobani offers a powerful example of how gratitude can guide leadership in action. Founder Humadi Ulukaya often says that the company’s biggest success belongs to everyone who helps make it possible. In a substantial expression of gratitude, Chobani grants employees a large range of benefits, including a financial share of stock ownership, access to an Employee Assistance Fund for hardship, and a program that allows employees to give out bonus currency to colleagues. This recognizes that each and every team member is essential to the growth and purpose of the company. This is a clear practice of gratitude and leadership in action; it shows that gratitude is much more than words, it’s a way of leading, recognizing, and strengthening relationships. By leading with gratitude, Chobani has built a culture deeply rooted in trust, respect, and shared success. This is a model that continues to inspire how good businesses and leaders use gratitude every day to achieve goals.
Lessons in Gratitude
At The Same House, gratitude is the foundation of our partnerships, programs, and the community we’re building. Gratitude is at the heart of everything we do because it reminds us that we cannot succeed alone. Whether through events like the Beloved Benefit, which unites unlikely partners in a shared purpose, or through initiatives like Hands on Atlanta Week that allow community members to connect in the name of service, our collaborations are always fueled by gratitude.
Through this work, we have learned that gratitude is not passive. It lives in how we listen, show appreciation, and use our position to uplift others. It is expressed in the calls we make, the mentorship we offer, and the commitment we show to the people around us.
When leaders live out gratitude in this way, they build a sense of empathy that strengthens every relationship. They create spaces where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to contribute. In that environment, collaboration replaces competition, and connection becomes the foundation for lasting progress.
A Call to Gratitude in Action
As we enter this season of reflection, I hope we can each take a moment to lead with gratitude, to pause and to thank everyone around us. I encourage you to commit to one act of bridge-building this season. Write a note of appreciation, have a conversation despite the differences, or offer your time to serve a cause greater than yourself.
Every act of gratitude brings us one step closer to the Beloved Community we all want to build.