The CEO Rule for 2025: Gratitude Is Private... Leadership Is Public.

If everyone feels grateful this week, why do most teams still feel directionless?

Author

Glenda Carnate
November 25, 2025

Read time: 2.5 minutes

Let’s be honest, warm intentions alone do not create strong leadership.

This week, many workplace conversations express gratitude. Leaders thank teams privately, managers appreciate contributions quietly, and everyone feels valued.

However, unexpressed gratitude does not translate into leadership that teams can experience. Each year, this results in well-intentioned teams with unclear direction and priorities.

Lead Out Loud in 3 steps:

1. Make It Clear.

  • Communicate priorities, expectations, and tradeoffs clearly and openly.

  • Prioritize clarity over comfort.

  • Quick example:
    “This week, this project is top priority. Everything else waits until Monday.”

2. Make It Visible.

  • Recognition is most effective when it is visible to the team.

  • Public praise is more impactful than private compliments.

  • Quick example:
    “Team — shoutout to Maria for unblocking the Q4 deliverable.”

3. Make It Consistent.

  • Leadership requires consistency, not occasional effort.

  • Consistency is more valuable than sporadic efforts.

  • Quick example:
    “Every Tuesday at 10, I’ll share the week’s top 3 focuses.”

💡Key Takeaway: 

Gratitude is private, while leadership is public. Gratitude fosters a positive environment, and leadership drives progress.

When leaders communicate openly, teams gain clarity and alignment. Visibility provides direction, not distraction.

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