Gratitude in Leadership - Does Expressing Thanks Impact More Than Financial Incentives?
In the heart of Dillenburg-Frohnhausen, Germany, lies Ben Schulz & Partner AG, a renowned consulting firm that has been making waves in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector since its inception in 2001. The company, awarded 'Innovator of the Year' in 2025, is dedicated to future-proofing companies through clear strategies and tailored solutions in management consulting and entrepreneurship.
At the helm of this innovative firm is CEO Ben Schulz, author of the Spiegel bestseller 'Leadership als Hoffnungsschirm' (Leadership as a beacon of hope). Schulz emphasizes the importance of small actions in leadership, such as expressing gratitude, in shaping corporate culture and fostering a climate of psychological safety, which facilitates learning readiness, collaboration, and change readiness.
Gratitude, Schulz explains, arises in direct contact and is a key aspect of leadership at eye level. Simple gestures like a brief thank-you at the start of a meeting, a handwritten note for exceptional support, or spontaneous praise among colleagues can have a lasting impact. The 'witnessing effect' study supports this, showing that such gestures not only motivate the recipient but also third parties who witness them.
Recognition from above is equally important. Leaders who exhibit gratitude tend to foster open communication and increase their team's innovation power. Praise for good decisions by leadership builds trust and shows that relationships in the workplace are not a one-way street. Leadership that is respectful, open, and honest creates relationships based on trust, not hierarchy.
However, the importance of small actions in leadership is often overlooked. Schulz states that true self-leadership may be missed by those who dismiss the importance of these actions. He advocates for the regular incorporation of gratitude into corporate culture through simple rituals.
The impact of these small actions is significant. Small gestures like 'thank you' or sincere praise have a significant effect on motivation and performance. Yet, alarmingly, 41% of employees nationwide report feeling undervalued at work. By focusing on gratitude, leaders can help bridge this gap and create a more positive, productive work environment.
Ben Schulz & Partner AG, with its team of ten dedicated employees, continues to support SMEs in implementing effective leadership development strategies. Their goal is to help these companies create a culture of gratitude, one that fosters open communication, innovation, and a sense of psychological safety amongst their teams. In doing so, they aim to not only future-proof companies but also improve the overall well-being and productivity of their workforces.
