The Power of Specific Gratitude

Nov 21

Recently, Rachel and I were talking to our kids about gratitude and thankfulness as we get closer to Thanksgiving. They do a good job of saying "thank you" and showing appreciation, but it struck me that learning to express true gratitude is a skill that needs to be developed.

I know this all too well because I can be a master of vague appreciation—saying the right words without really getting specific.

Leaders often face the same challenge. We mean well, but in the rush of our busy schedules, our gratitude can become generic. Yet, when we take the time to be specific, the impact is so much greater.

The difference between generic and specific gratitude is the difference between recognition and true heartfelt appreciation.

This is where role clarity makes all the difference. When roles are clear, ownership is communicated, and success is well-defined, you have everything you need to be specific in your gratitude.

I challenge you to set aside 10 minutes this week. Choose one team member, reflect on one role that they play on your team, and write a note of appreciation (even a text) that’s not just general but truly meaningful.

This simple act can go a long way toward making someone feel seen, valued, and motivated.

Here are 5 prompts to help you dig deep and express gratitude with clarity:

What is critical about the role they play? Consider how their responsibilities fit into the bigger picture and why their role is vital to your organization’s success.
How do they uniquely carry out that role? Focus on what makes their approach special. What skills, habits, or perspectives do they bring that others might not?
How are they directly impacting progress toward the vision by owning that role? Highlight the specific ways their work has moved the team closer to its goals. Point to particular achievements or moments.
What challenges have they overcome in this role? Acknowledge the obstacles they've faced and how they've handled them with perseverance and skill.
What growth have you seen in them? Reflect on their development. Share how they've evolved in their role and how it's made a difference for the team.

Take the time to express gratitude in a way that is specific and connected to role clarity. It’s a small investment that yields significant returns in engagement, morale, and trust—even in the busiest of seasons.