Podcast Episode Details

245: The Workplace Gratitude Practice Most Leaders Are Missing | Joel Zuckerman

Episode 245

More than half of American workers are Millennials or Gen Z—and their top workplace concern isn’t salary or vacation, but feeling seen and appreciated. In this heart-opening episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon sits down with Joel Zuckerman, bestselling author of Gratitude Tiger, to explore why gratitude is a powerful leadership tool—far beyond a feel-good buzzword. Joel shares how a simple experiment—writing one heartfelt letter—transformed his life and career, and why gratitude is actually a competitive edge for leaders and organizations alike. 

From practical strategies for showing authentic appreciation to why “silent gratitude is useless,” this episode is a playbook for boosting morale, deepening trust, and making every member of your team feel like they matter. Whether you’re a manager with a mile-long to-do list or an employee eager to stand out, Joel’s approach will help you lead—and live—with more generosity and intention. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why gratitude is leaders’ secret weapon for retention and morale (and why Gen Z craves it most) 
• The power of handwritten notes: why Joel’s written over 280 gratitude letters (and how it changed everything) 
• Joel’s “Seven Pillars of Expressive Gratitude”—and how businesses can apply them in minutes, not hours 
• How to share authentic appreciation (even when feedback is tough) 
• Simple, actionable ways to express gratitude—whether you have 7 paragraphs, 7 sentences, or just 7 words 
• How showing gratitude helps you become a more likable, promotable team member 
• Why “getting specific” turns gratitude into real trust and connection 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Gen Z & Millennial workers’ #1 workplace concern: being seen and valued 

00:41 – Meet Joel Zuckerman: author, speaker, accidental gratitude advocate 

01:35 – Why “silent gratitude” is useless 

02:52 – Joel’s first handwritten gratitude letter (and what happened next) 

06:17 – How writing letters rewired Joel’s relationships—and himself 

08:11 – The 7 Pillars of Expressive Gratitude 

13:24 – How busy leaders can show gratitude in 7 words 

14:01 – The ROI of appreciation for business: loyalty, retention, morale 

17:07 – 7-word gratitude for employee feedback 

20:44 – Keeping gratitude authentic (and grounded in truth) 

28:49 – Flip the script: use gratitude to get promoted and build likability 

32:41 – Finding gratitude, even when life gets hard 

39:14 – Why everyone (not just Olympians!) can inspire with gratitude 

43:03 – Joel’s favorite “gratitude received” stories 

45:08 – The one action Joel wants you to take today 

About Joel Zuckerman 

Joel Zuckerman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and renowned gratitude advocate. Known for his years writing about golf and travel, Joel’s life took an unexpected turn when he challenged himself to write a single letter of heartfelt appreciation. Nearly 300 gratitude letters and countless speaking engagements later, he’s the author of Gratitude Tiger and a sought-after keynote speaker who helps business leaders and individuals use gratitude as a tool for connection and organizational impact.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Website: gratitudetiger.com 
• LinkedIn: Joel Zuckerman on LinkedIn 
• Joel’s book: Gratitude Tiger 
• “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” by Richard Carlson 
• William Arth

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  Published on 1 month ago