The Catholic Business Leader’s Guide to Gratitude

As Catholics, we have a responsibility to cultivate, practice, and express our gratitude. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul implores us to, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This call includes the workplace.

You need not look far to find advice for how leaders can show their team they appreciate their work, and this guidance is valuable. But how might the common advice for leaders be transformed and enriched by our Catholic faith?

Here, we’re taking three common suggestions for gratitude in the workplace and infusing it with our faith, giving you a Catholic Business Leader’s Guide to Gratitude.

When we spend a lot of time with people, we might become immune to their goodness at best, or irritated or impatient with them at worst. As leaders in our business, we have the responsibility to uphold the reality that these people surrounding us are the living, breathing image of God—the imago Dei.

People can feel nervous or uncomfortable about giving compliments, but don’t overthink it. Rather, take a moment to realize that the person standing before you is a unique creation made by God, intended to reflect his glory in a particular way. Pay attention to people's gifts, skills, and interests, and affirm them. By honoring an individual’s goodness and highlighting their unique talents, we are praising God for his creation.

“Say thank-you” → Be Disciples of Gratitude

We are called to be disciples, that is, students disciplined in imitating Christ and building virtue. Like all virtues, gratitude demands discipline. This month, when someone helps you out, stays the extra 15 minutes, or offers a helpful thought, look them in the eye and thank them. If the correspondence was virtual, don’t neglect typing your words of thanks. Though a verbal expression or a handwritten note may be the most effective, there is weight to your virtual thanks. This is not merely a polite platitude. It’s the proper response to St. Paul’s invitation to give thanks in all circumstances.

“Give them a gift” → Offer a Mass

The weight of the Mass is not fully perceptible by our human minds. Of all the things we could give to our team, there is nothing greater than the gift of a Mass—even for those who are not of the same faith. Consider visiting your local parish and having a Mass said for your team and if appropriate, share the Mass card and invite them to attend the Eucharistic celebration themselves. But be certain that whether or not you tell them, the graces are real and will undoubtedly bless them.

St. Josemaria Escriva said, “Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because he gives you this and that. Because you have been despised. Because you haven’t what you need or because you have. Thank him for everything, because everything is good.” This month of November, “get used to” expressing your gratitude—first to God, then to your family, and then in the workplace. Our actions are significant, our words carry value, and our thanksgiving is a form of praise.

How do you show gratitude to your team? Please share your insights and experience with us at marketing@legatus.org and we’d love to share your answers with our national Legatus community.