In this Messy Middle Moment episode, Amy Wilkins shares a profound reflection on the power of gratitude. As Thanksgiving approaches, Amy delves into how the simple act of saying "thank you" can transform relationships and dynamics in both personal and professional settings. Her personal experiences highlight the impact of expressing gratitude and the changes it can bring to team morale and performance.

Throughout the episode, Amy emphasizes the science-backed benefits of gratitude, such as serotonin and dopamine release, which enhance motivation and emotional well-being. She presents gratitude as a powerful leadership tool that can foster connection, improve collaboration, and create a positive work environment. Amy challenges listeners to engage in acts of gratitude, inviting them to recognize and commend their teams for their contributions. Such small gestures, she asserts, can lead to significant positive outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Gratitude is a transformative practice that can significantly impact team dynamics and personal relationships.
• Saying "thank you" can boost mental well-being by releasing serotonin and dopamine, improving motivation and emotional connection.
• Amy shares a personal story where expressing gratitude through handwritten notes made team members feel seen and valued.
• Research shows that gratitude increases generosity and collaboration, with teams exhibiting higher performance and psychological safety.

Quotes

Gratitude isn't just polite, it's powerful.When you say thank you, you're not just being nice. You're changing the brain, yours and theirs.In the messy middle, when things are uncertain, complicated, or heavy, gratitude isn't fluff. It's fuel.Thank someone today out loud. Be specific. Tell them what you saw, what it meant, and why it mattered.

Research References: studies and summaries behind the gratitude and neuroscience insights shared in this episode:

1. PositivePsychology.com – The Neuroscience of Gratitude Overview of how gratitude activates dopamine, serotonin, and key emotional regulation centers in the brain.
2. IE University – The Science of Gratitude MRI research shows that gratitude strengthens empathy, memory, and emotional regulation.
3. Nuvance Health – Gratitude & Stress Response How gratitude reduces cortisol levels and boosts well-being.
4. PMC Meta-Analysis – Effects of Gratitude Interventions Review of 64 studies showing gratitude improves mental health and resilience.

For more detailed sources, read my full blog article, Say Thank You: A Simple Way to Lead with Impact