Win Their Hearts

Trust. Dedication. Reliability. Positivity. Heart. These aren’t just words—they’re the glue that holds great teams together. And if you’ve ever been part of a team that felt like family, you know exactly what I mean.

When I was the Director of Marketing for a large real estate and property management company in Atlanta, GA, I quickly realized that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about connection. It was my first real job out of college, I had little guidance, barely any direction, and virtually no support. The opportunity was incredible and the people were nice, but the leadership did nothing to bring us together.

We were a collection of individuals working in silos, never a true team. Being a former college athlete, I remember craving a sense of camaraderie, a culture where people felt like they mattered, and were a part of something greater. Without that, motivation waned, and work became just a job instead of a mission. Only after approximately 18 months, it was easy to leave. That experience taught me firsthand that no amount of talent or skill can replace the power of feeling truly valued.

That’s what National Employee Appreciation Day is all about. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about leadership—it’s about winning the hearts of the people around you. Because when people feel valued, they don’t just work harder—they care more. And that’s a place where good things begin to happen.

Leaders–Be Intentional About Creating a Culture of Trust & Encouragement

Trust is the oxygen of a winning team. Without it, people suffocate in fear, doubt, and second-guessing. But when trust is abundant? That’s when even greater things happen.

Great leaders build trust by:

• Being transparent. Share the “why” behind decisions, not just the “what.”

• Encouraging risk-taking. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re learning moments.

• Celebrating wins—big and small. A culture of recognition fuels motivation.

In business (and life), people need to know they’re appreciated. That they’re a valued member of the team. And they’d rather have a leader that is real, than one that thinks they’re always right.

Here’s the truth: Showing appreciation isn’t just a once-a-year thing. It’s the little moments of recognition, the unexpected “thank yous,” the small acts of kindness that build a culture where people feel seen and valued.

And while there are a hundred ways to say “thank you,” there’s something about a heartfelt gift that speaks louder than words. This Friday, March 7th, let Dulci Sweets help you celebrate your team with handcrafted chocolates, beautifully curated gift boxes, and appreciation notes that remind them how much they mean to you. Because when you win the heart, you win everything else.

If you want a team that’s not just successful but significant, start by celebrating the people who make it happen every day. Whether it’s Employee Appreciation Day or any ordinary Tuesday, let’s make gratitude a habit, not just a holiday.

With gratitude and belief,
Brock

P.S. The best teams aren’t built on policies and paychecks. They’re built on people who care. Take a moment today to remind yours how much they matter. And if that moment happens to include chocolate—well, that’s just good leadership. 😊

Also in Weekly Messages