Anton Guinea
Entrepreneur, Speaker, bestselling author, and founder of The Guinea Group of Companies. For over 15 years, Anton has helped leaders move their teams to become psychologically safe, physically safe and overall better versions of themselves.
Have you ever noticed how a simple ‘thank you’ can change the mood of a room?
Appreciation isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s a game-changer for leadership. When you genuinely recognise your team’s hard work, they don’t just feel good—they perform better, innovate more, and stay engaged. But how do top executives at world-class companies show appreciation in ways that fuel high performance?
Let’s explore how some of the most successful leaders recognise and empower their teams.
How most successful leaders Inspire High-Performing Teams
1. Satya Nadella (Microsoft) – A Culture of Empathy and Recognition
When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft, he prioritised transforming the company’s culture. He actively acknowledges employees’ efforts, celebrating their contributions in all-hands meetings and personal emails. His leadership style fosters a “learn-it-all” mindset, where employees feel valued not just for results but also for growth and innovation.
Takeaway: Public recognition, coupled with a culture of learning and growth, fuels employee motivation and performance.
2. Mary Barra (General Motors) – A Personal Touch to Employee Appreciation
As the first female CEO of a major auto company, Mary Barra has built a workplace that prioritises respect and recognition. She frequently visits GM’s factories to personally thank employees, reinforcing that every role contributes to the company’s success. Barra also encourages leaders at all levels to recognise their teams with handwritten notes and direct feedback.
Takeaway: Personalised appreciation—whether through direct interactions or written notes—creates lasting motivation.
3. Brian Chesky (Airbnb) – Tying Recognition to Core Values
Airbnb’s CEO, Brian Chesky, ensures that appreciation is deeply connected to the company’s mission and values. Employees who exemplify core values like hospitality and community are publicly celebrated in team meetings and awarded for their contributions. This reinforces the company’s culture while inspiring employees to go above and beyond.
Takeaway: Aligning appreciation with core values strengthens a company’s culture and employee engagement.
5. Bob Iger (Disney) – Recognising Creativity and Hard Work
Disney thrives on innovation, and Bob Iger ensured that creativity was not just expected but celebrated. He consistently acknowledged and rewarded employees for pushing creative boundaries, fostering an environment where people felt safe to take risks and think big.
Takeaway: Recognising innovation encourages employees to take bold steps and contribute groundbreaking ideas.
How to Apply This in Your Own Leadership
- Be specific and timely – Don’t wait for a performance review or a special event to recognise great work. A quick email, a shout-out in a meeting, or even a simple “Great job on that project today!” makes a huge difference. The key is to highlight exactly what they did well, so they know their efforts are truly seen and valued.
- Make it personal – A generic “thank you” is nice, but a personal touch makes it memorable. Whether it’s a one-on-one conversation, a handwritten note, or a customised reward, taking the time to make recognition meaningful helps employees feel truly appreciated.
- Tie appreciation to values – When recognition is connected to your company’s mission and values, it reinforces a sense of purpose. If someone went the extra mile for a customer, don’t just say “Thanks”—acknowledge how their actions reflect the company’s commitment to service and excellence.
- Celebrate growth and effort – Success isn’t just about results; it’s about learning, resilience, and progress. Recognise employees for their dedication, problem-solving, and willingness to take on challenges. Celebrate the journey, not just the final achievement.
Appreciation is more than words. It’s an act of leadership that transforms workplace culture.
How do you recognise your team’s efforts? Let’s inspire one another—share your approach!
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