Leading with Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection for Business Leaders
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting not just on what I’m grateful for personally—but on how gratitude shapes how I lead professionally. Running a business like Intertech has taught me a lot over the years, but one lesson stands out again and again: how you treat your people determines your success.
Gratitude Isn’t Just Personal—It’s Strategic
It’s easy to think of gratitude as a soft skill—something reserved for handwritten notes and holiday cards. But in leadership, gratitude is a strategy. It builds trust, improves retention, and fuels a culture where people are willing to go the extra mile.
I’m thankful every day for the people who show up—virtually or in person—at Intertech. The developers who write elegant code. The project managers who juggle chaos with grace. The operations and sales teams who keep the business humming. These aren’t just employees—they’re the reason we continue to grow and evolve, especially as we embrace AI and modern development tools.
Taking Care of the People Who Take Care of the Business
This time of year, it’s easy to default to year-end metrics and planning for Q1. But leadership isn’t just about goals and growth. It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive.
At Intertech, that’s why we:
- Hold daily huddles to keep everyone connected
- Make space for social events—from BBQs to poker nights
- Invest in internal training to ensure learning never stops
- And yes, pause to say “thank you” more than once a year
A Simple Thanksgiving Leadership Challenge
Here’s something I’d encourage every business leader to do this week: make a list of the 5 people at work you’re most thankful for. Then tell them. Be specific. Tell them what they did, how it helped, and what it meant to you or the company.
You’d be surprised how powerful that one moment of recognition can be—for them and for you.
Final Thought
Thanksgiving reminds us to slow down and appreciate what we have. For leaders, that means appreciating the people who make our vision a reality. The best cultures aren’t built by perks or policies—they’re built on trust, recognition, and care.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Intertech.