Appreciation can lift a team or quietly erode it, and Sarah Lockwood breaks down why the difference often comes down to whether people feel genuinely seen.
In this solo episode, she explains why the usual holiday scramble for company gifts rarely creates the connection leaders intend and why Thanksgiving offers a clearer moment for gratitude that feels personal instead of performative. Sarah shares how a simple note or a small, thoughtful gesture can shift how someone experiences their work, and she challenges leaders to consider what their gifts say about their culture. A day of rest signals care, a learning budget signals curiosity, and a mismatched gift signals a gap between stated values and lived values. She also covers the practical side of appreciation with tools like Goody that let teams choose their own gift while still giving leaders room to add a personal message.
Sarah closes by reminding listeners that recognition works best as a steady habit. Even one specific thank you can strengthen trust, and she encourages leaders to pause, notice one meaningful contribution, and send a message that proves someone’s effort didn’t go unseen.
Episode Breakdown:
- 00:00 The Art of Meaningful Employee Appreciation
- 01:25 Why Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Moment for Team Appreciation
- 04:05 The Power of Specific and Authentic Gratitude
- 06:10 Choose Gifts That Reflect Your Company Values
- 07:02 A Practical Tool for Personalized Corporate Gifting (Goody)
- 08:09 Make Recognition a Habit, Not a Holiday Task
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