The Power of Gratitude: Reflections and Leadership in Practice

On December 15, BCEN CEO Janie Schumaker shared a new article reflecting how consistent, personal expressions of appreciation can strengthen teams, build resilience, and foster belonging. A must-read for healthcare leaders, “The Power of Gratitude: Reflections and Leadership in Practice” offers tips and tricks for cultivating a gratitude practice among any team.

Janie had this to say:

“As leaders we set the tone for our organizations. When we consistently practice and demonstrate gratitude, we send a clear message about what is valued. The more personal we can make our gratitude expressions, the more meaningful it will be to those on the receiving end. By openly acknowledging positive contributions, sharing uplifting stories, and expressing appreciation, leaders can cultivate a culture where gratitude is woven into the fabric of daily operations.
In their recent article, ‘Emphasizing the Vital Importance of Gratitude and Recognition’ in the Journal of Emergency Nursing, Howard et al said, ‘Nursing leaders should lead the way with gratitude and recognition.’ I could not agree more.
There are many impactful approaches leaders can take to role model gratitude. Many are mostly budget neutral but deeply meaningful. One of my favorite things to do as a nurse leader is to share positive stories and comments from our patients and customers, highlighting how each staff member contributed to a successful outcome. This not only recognizes the collective effort but also reinforces the importance of each person’s role in delivering exceptional service or care. When a leader says, ‘I’m grateful for each one of you and the unique talents you bring,’ it fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation that motivates people to continue giving their best.”