Trailhead Thoughts
“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” - Randy Pausch
Trail Map - Learn. Think. Act. ™
Gratitude is a Leadership Skill - Start Practicing It
📚Learn
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.”
It’s the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful.
And yes, it matters - in life and at work.
Practicing gratitude can:
Increase satisfaction
Build resilience
Lower stress
Strengthen relationships
Whether it’s a kind word from a teammate or a friend showing up when it matters - recognizing value deepens connection.
🤔Think
Ask yourself today:
What do I truly value?
Who brings value into my life and into my work life?
How have I shown appreciation for that?
Now flip it:
What do they value?
Have they felt seen or appreciated by me?
Gratitude is most powerful when it’s personal and when it’s shared.
💪 Act
Write down 3 people you’re grateful for this week
Make a plan to reach out - a message, a call, or a thank-you note (handwritten makes an extra impact and will make you stand out - not many people do this any more.)
Ask one person: “What do you value most right now?”
The answers might surprise you. But trust us, the connection will uplift you.
Beyond the Trailhead
Leading with Gratitude: The Everyday Advantage You Can’t Afford to Skip
Gratitude isn’t a November only event. It shouldn’t be limited to turkey dinners or thank-you posts. Real leadership gratitude is a practice - one that shapes culture, strengthens trust, and fuels performance.
Think about it.
When you consistently recognize the effort someone puts in, you’re doing more than being polite -you’re reinforcing behaviors that drive results. You’re saying, “I see you and what you do matters.” That small acknowledgement can turn quiet effort into lasting engagement.
But, it only works when it’s authentic. People will see right through fake platitudes. Gratitude isn’t about handing out compliments like Halloween candy - it’s about paying attention. Seeing who is stepping up. Naming it in real time. Sharing credit instead of hoarding it.
Want to start building a gratitude rhythm into your leadership? Try these small but powerful shifts:
Make it a daily habit. End your day by noting one person or moment you’re grateful for.
Call it out publicly. Recognize effort in team meetings - not just outcomes, but the behaviors and habits that led there.
Ask questions that spark gratitude. Try, “What’s something this week that made your job easier?”
Give feedback with thanks. When you coach someone, begin with appreciation before moving to improvement. Use this only if you can genuinely start this way.
Leaders who practice gratitude year-round build teams that stay connected and resilient even when the pressure hits. This isn’t soft; it’s strategic. Gratitude keeps people grounded, motivated, and aligned with purpose.
So, as the leaves turn and we all start thinking about what (and who) we’re thankful for, remember: gratitude isn’t a checkbox on a holiday calendar or on a to-do list - it’s part of the system that keeps your culture healthy and your people happy and growing.
Voices from the Trail
Meet Jeff Noel
Jeff Noel joins Mike this week on the podcast. They cover a number of topics in the conversation, including balance, perspective, health, preparation, scary things and gratitude.
Jeff is the host of If Disney Ran Your Life, he is a keynote speaker and educator. He will help you and your organization Think Differently.
Listen to this episode on Spotify
Hitting the Trail
Planning your 2026 offsite, SKO, or leadership retreat? Bring in a speaker who doesn’t just inspire - he equips. Mike helps teams turn ideas into execution through clarity, communication, and actionable frameworks that stick long after the event ends. Whether your goal is to reset strategy or to build momentum for the year ahead, Mike’s sessions are designed to spark alignment and drive results.
Ready to make your next event one your team actually talks about afterward and one where they implement what they learned? Click here for more information and start building a stronger 2026 for you and your team.
www.coachsimmons.com
Announcements
It’s almost time. Don’t miss out on the session that can set you up for a powerful start to 2026.
Set aside 45-minutes on Tuesday, November 18th and get the tools you need to walk into Q1 with clarity and energy. Register today at coachsimmons.com and walk away with:
a powerful goal-setting framework
tools you can use immediately
clarity on how to start Q1 strong
coachsimmons.com
That’s it for this week.
If you know someone who would find this newsletter valuable - please share it. We love to see the social shares, and see the new subscribers joining us on this journey.
Keep putting one intentional step in front of the other - the view gets better and better as you climb.
Speed to impact is more important than going fast.
The Find My Catalyst Team