Can a simple “thank you” transform your workplace? According to Chester Elton, yes — and it’s backed by decades of research.

In this episode of Chats with Jason, bestselling author Chester Elton (The Carrot Principle, Leading With Gratitude) unpacks how the power of praise drives real business results — from higher employee engagement to better retention and legendary workplace cultures.

💡 What you’ll learn:

✅ Why recognition fails in most companies — and how to fix it

✅ Real-life rituals top leaders use to make praise stick

✅ Stories from brands like American Express, Pepsi, and Texas Roadhouse

✅ The surprising ROI of leading with gratitude (and why it’s NOT “soft”)

✅ Practical ways to embed recognition into your daily leadership style

If you want to attract top talent, keep your best people, and build a culture where everyone thrives — this conversation is your roadmap.

📈 Culture eats strategy for breakfast — praise is the fuel that makes your culture win.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Praise

01:00 Meet Chester Elton: The Apostle of Appreciation

04:01 The Importance of Timely Recognition

08:16 Building a Legendary Culture

13:37 Rituals and Cadence in Culture Building

16:53 Overcoming Excuses for Recognition

18:29 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement

18:56 The Sacred 60: A Case Study in Recognition

20:02 Recognition Programs: Pros and Cons

22:24 Transformative Power of Gratitude in the Workplace

24:28 The Role of Kindness in Leadership

25:49 Connecting with Thought Leaders

27:03 Navigating Hybrid and Remote Workplaces

29:25 Building a Culture of Gratitude

31:59 Final Thoughts and Personal Stories

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Follow Jason S Bradshaw:

Website: https://jasonsbradshaw.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsbradshaw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonsbradshaw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonsbradshaw/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/jasonsbradshaw

Follow Chester Elton:

Personal Website: https://chesterelton.com/

The Culture Works Website: https://thecultureworks.com/

Podcast: https://thecultureworks.com/podcast/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chesterelton/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterElton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chester.elton/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/chesterelton

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chester.elton

Buy the books here: https://thecultureworks.com/books/

The Carrot Principle: https://a.co/d/ccfms2M

Chester’s Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chester-Elton/author/B001H6WCT8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true