Issue #17

Thanksgiving Week: What Great Managers Are Grateful For

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving Week!

In the spirit of the holiday, this week’s newsletter is a bit different. Instead of tactical advice, let’s reflect on what makes management truly rewarding—and why gratitude might be your most underused leadership tool.

What Great Managers Are Grateful For

Their Team’s Growth

The best part of my job is working with my managers, especially new managers. There’s something magical about watching someone discover they can lead, influence, and inspire others. Every promotion, every time someone says “I never thought I could do this” — these are the moments that make the tough days worth it.

The Trust They’ve Been Given

Being chosen to lead others is a profound responsibility. Your company trusts you to hire well, develop people, and deliver results. Your team trusts you to make good decisions, fight for them, and help them succeed. That trust is both humbling and energizing.

Who trusted you early in your management journey? How did that trust shape your approach to leadership?

The Problems They Get to Solve

Management problems are people problems, and people problems are endlessly fascinating. How do you motivate someone who’s lost their spark? How do you help a high performer who’s hitting a plateau? How do you build a culture where everyone can do their best work?

These aren’t problems you solve once—they’re ongoing challenges that make you better every day. The endless variety of situations I get to work on is what makes management rewarding to me.

Why Gratitude is a Leadership Superpower

My mom was right - treat others as they want to be treated (The Platinum Rule). Gratitude isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a habit you can use that improves team performance, retention, and morale.

It humanizes you and lets your team know they’re seen and you recognize the work they’re putting in. Recognition and celebration create the kind of culture where people want to work and want to stay.

Acknowledge and celebrate your team’s achievements. Recognizing their hard work and success helps build trust and rapport. Show genuine interest in your team members. Ask about their lives outside of work and remember personal details. This shows that you care and you’re invested in them.

The Gratitude Practice That Changes Everything

Honestly, most of this is hard for me. I grew up in in the Midwest, and the expectation is that you’re going to do a good job whether someone is looking over your shoulder or not. I didn’t expect to get praise for doing my job right, because that was the expectation for everyone.

When things are hard for me, I spend the time to make a system. My systems become habits, and my habits help make my team’s culture. Here’s what works for me:

Every Friday, I write down:

1. One thing a team member did well this week
2. One way my team grew or improved
3. One challenge I’m grateful to have (because it’s making you better)

Then I share #1 with my team members. Not in a big announcement, just a quick note or comment. “Hey Sarah, I noticed how you helped John with that client bug. Thanks for digging into that problem - I appreciate you!”

What Your Team is Grateful For

Your team members are likely grateful for:

• Clear direction when everything else feels chaotic
• Someone who has their back when projects get political
• Growth opportunities that stretch their skills
• Recognition for their contributions
• A manager who treats them like humans, not resources

A Thanksgiving Challenge

My family pulls out all the boardgames at Thanksgiving as a way to spend time together. This week, I challenge you to:

1. Thank three people who helped shape your management style
2. Tell each team member one specific thing you appreciate about their work
3. Reflect on your management wins from this year — you’ve accomplished more than you think

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Management isn’t just about hitting deadlines and managing budgets. It’s about creating an environment where people can do their best work, grow in their careers, and feel valued for their contributions.

As we head into the final month of 2025, remember that your role as a manager is both a privilege and an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

For everyone reading this newsletter, I’m grateful for you—the managers who care enough to keep learning, growing, and improving. Your teams are lucky to have you.

Next Week Preview:

December kicks off our “Year-End Leadership Mastery” series with the Budget Season Survival Guide—because nothing says “happy holidays” like planning next year’s finances!

See you next week!

-Frank