The power of gratitude to transform your work relationships and culture with Chester Elton

Authored by Chester Elton

Authored by Chester Elton

Interview Insights

Top 3 Takeaways from this Interview

• One of our most powerful gifts is having the ability to choose how to respond. Reactions are visceral but response is pensive, and thus, it is something we have full control of.
• Showing gratitude to each member of your team, even if what they accomplished are menial tasks, shows you acknowledge their contributions and it makes them aware you know they exist. Even a simple ‘thank you’ could induce positivity to you and your team. It is great to make leading with gratitude our default way of leading.
• Mistakes are opportunities, not a sign of failure or lack of potential. They are not encouraged but when they happen, take them as an opportunity to learn, and be better the next time you try.

Read the Show Notes from this Episode

• A quote from Russell M. Nelson about counting blessings being far better than recounting problems inspires Chester. [01:51]
• Our brain isn’t wired to keep us happy, but to keep us safe, and what this means for us. [02:35]
• Chester shares a snippet from his interview with former Pepsi CEO, Indra Nooyi about assuming positive intent. [04:02]
• An interview with former American Express CEO, debunking the myth that grateful leaders are weak. [06:12]
• Chester stresses the importance of being grateful for the things we have instead of dwelling about the things that we don’t. [09:11]
• WD40’s CEO Gary Ridge’s philosophy in life of ‘it’ll all work out.’ [11:29]
• Gary is a great example of the power of gratitude and putting your people first. [12:01]
• Co-Author Adrian Gosticks’ son gave him and Chester a fresh perspective about failure, saying as a scientist who had done a lot of lab works. “science is just failure with notes.” [13:39]
• WD learned and built from their mistakes. [13:56]
• Building a habit takes time, patience, and repetition. [20:50]
• My Quest for the Best Lightning Round begins [36:18]

Expert Bio

He has been called the “apostle of appreciation” by Canada’s Globe and Mail, “creative and refreshing‚” by the New York Times, and a “must-read for modern managers” by CNN. Elton is co-author of multiple award-winning New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling leadership books including All In, The Carrot Principle, The Best Team Wins, and Anxiety at Work. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide.

Elton is often quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, and the New York Times. He has appeared on NBC’s Today, CNN, ABC, MSNBC, National Public Radio, and CBS’s 60 Minutes.

Contact Info and Social Media for Chester Elton

• Primary Website
• Travels from: Summit, NJ
• Connect on LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Resources Mentioned During the Interview

• My Quest for the Best interview: 315: Identify and Address Anxiety at Work Before it Takes Hold with guest expert Chester Elton
• Adrian Gostick – Organizational Culture expert and co-Author of Leading With Gratitude. 
• Russell M. Nelson – ““Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a fast-acting and long-lasting spiritual prescription,”
• Indra Nooyi, former CEO of Pepsi,
• Alan Mullaly – Retired president and CEO of Ford Motors.
• Garry O. Ridge – Chairman and chief executive officer of WD-40 Company.
• Dave Kerpen – an American author, entrepreneur, and speaker. 
• Ken Chenault – retired CEO of American Express. 

Books Authored by Chester Elton