A Lean Journey 
On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.
As leaders, we often express thanks to our
employees—especially during the Thanksgiving season. But as Amiel reminds us,
true gratitude goes beyond spoken words. While thankfulness acknowledges
appreciation, gratitude turns that feeling into meaningful action. In the
workplace, it’s not enough to say “thank you”; we must show it in ways that
make employees feel valued, respected, and recognized for their contributions.
Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how
our teams have contributed to success throughout the year and to demonstrate
our appreciation in tangible ways. When employees feel genuinely appreciated,
engagement rises, trust deepens, and a culture of respect takes root. Gratitude
in action transforms good workplaces into great ones.
Here are practical ways to turn thankfulness into action
this holiday season:
- Make
it Personal – Write handwritten notes to employees,
highlighting specific contributions they’ve made and how they’ve impacted
the team or organization. - Public
Recognition – Use team meetings or company updates to
publicly acknowledge individual and group achievements. - Give
the Gift of Time – Offer flexible schedules, an early
release before the holiday, or an extra day off to spend with family and
friends. - Share
a Meal – Host a Thanksgiving lunch or potluck to
bring people together and build connections outside of daily work. - Invest
in Their Growth – Show long-term appreciation by
supporting training, development, and career opportunities. - Celebrate
Small Wins – Recognize not only big accomplishments
but also the day-to-day efforts that keep operations running smoothly. - Listen
with Intention – Schedule one-on-one time to hear
employees’ ideas, concerns, and goals—showing you value their voice as
much as their output.
This Thanksgiving, let’s remember that gratitude is a verb.
Saying “thank you” is important, but showing it through thoughtful, consistent
actions creates lasting impact. In Lean thinking, respect for people is a
cornerstone—and gratitude in action is one of the most powerful ways to show
that respect.
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