Leading Your Team This Holiday Season - Part 1: Gratitude in Action

The holidays are here. Our bellies are full of turkey, and Christmas is just around the corner. It’s a time of year I really enjoy, wishing it would slow down so I could savor it a bit more.  But as a private practice owner for nearly two decades, I know this season also comes with its challenges.

For leaders, the holidays bring a unique tension: balancing the push to finish the year strong with the desire to lower the pressure and enjoy the season with your team. Both goals are valid, but they can feel at odds. That’s why this month, I’m kicking off a three-part leadership blog series focused on how to prioritize business health and team well-being during the holidays.

Let’s start with the foundation of any thriving workplace: gratitude.

Why Gratitude Matters During the Holidays

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good gesture—it’s a powerful leadership tool. Research shows that teams who feel appreciated are more engaged, productive, and satisfied in their roles. During the holidays, when stress runs high and time feels scarce, gratitude becomes even more critical.

By intentionally expressing appreciation, leaders can elevate team morale, foster connection, and set a tone that energizes everyone for the year ahead. Gratitude isn’t just a holiday sentiment—it’s a strategy for success.

The Link Between Gratitude and Business Performance

A culture of gratitude can yield remarkable results for your practice. Dental team members who feel valued are more likely to:

• Stay committed to their roles.
• Collaborate effectively with teammates.
• Exceed expectations, even during busy periods.

And it doesn’t stop with your team. When gratitude flows outward—to patients, vendors, partners and referral sources—it strengthens relationships and enhances your professional reputation. Simply put, gratitude pays dividends.

Gratitude in Action: Practical Steps for Leaders

Here are three ways to weave gratitude into your leadership this holiday season:

1. Personalized Recognition

• Write handwritten thank-you notes to each team member, highlighting their unique contributions. I always sat down and put a lot of thought into an end of year card highlighting specific reasons I appreciated each team member. 
• Deliver personalized messages of appreciation in one-on-one conversations and team meetings. If you haven’t been very good at sharing gratitude, this is the perfect time to start. In next week’s team meeting, tell your team this time of year reminds you of how much you appreciate all that they do for you and your practice. 
• Publicly celebrate your team’s wins and milestones from the past year. Whether it’s a big project or a small moment of triumph, recognition fosters pride and motivation.

2. Team Bonding Activities

• Host a holiday gathering or team-building event to bring everyone together. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; the focus is on connection. One of my most memorable was a holiday lunch. We went to a local mall and I handed each one a $100 bill. They had an hour to spend it on themselves and then we all met for lunch where they showed everyone what they bought. It created lots of smiles. 
• Introduce meaningful traditions, like a potluck lunch, Secret Santa, or participating in a local charity drive as a team. This is a great opportunity to ask your team what tradition would be meaningful to them and encourage them to drive it. 
• Computer monitors in the operatories? Put some Christmas movies on during the day. You’ll be amazed what such a simple gesture does for the mood of your team. 

3. Model Gratitude

• Show appreciation to your vendors, stakeholders, those who refer you patients and those colleagues you refer patients to. A small gesture—like a thank-you card or holiday gift—can strengthen these relationships. The mail man, your product rep, your oral surgeon, your ceramist. Show them you appreciate them. They will have your back the whole year round! 
• The gratitude has to be authentic. Lead by example, demonstrating kindness, patience, and appreciation in daily operations. If this isn’t your strong suit, then start with vulnerability, telling your team you are trying and you want to grow in this area. Sometimes a little vulnerability is the quickest way to improve your relationship with your team. 

Your Challenge: Take One Gratitude-Driven Action This Week

As the holidays pick up speed, I challenge you to implement one gratitude-driven action with your team this week. Whether it’s writing a thank-you note, planning a bonding activity, or modeling appreciation in your leadership style, start small.

Remember, gratitude isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. When you prioritize appreciation, you create an environment where your team can thrive, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series next week, where we’ll dive deeper into balancing year-end goals with holiday joy.

Here’s to leading with gratitude this season!