3 TIPS FOR LEADING WITH GRATITUDE

Thanksgiving is right around the corner — it’s hard to believe the year is almost over! As the leaves change, the days grow shorter, and the air turns crisper (for most of us!), it’s a wonderful time to pause and hold space for gratitude.

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a way of seeing the world — a mindset that helps us recognize the good around us, even in the midst of challenges. When we take a moment to appreciate what we have, we create space for joy, connection, and perspective.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of ProTeam Foodservice Advisors for over 10 years. I’ve watched us grow, evolve, and adapt — and I’ve witnessed the dedication, perseverance, and compassion that shine through in every district. It’s easy to get caught up in our endless to-do lists, but when we pause, even briefly, we realize how much is already going right.

I am truly grateful for each of the districts we work with every day. Every district has countless stories that reflect care and commitment — from the director who serves a small slice of birthday cake to celebrate each month’s birthdays (because for some, it’s the only cake they’ll receive), to the director who partners with local farmers to feature locally sourced veggies and beef, to the food service manager who greets every student with a smile so they start their day with kindness. These small gestures matter — they brighten someone’s day and remind us why our work is so meaningful.

Here are a few simple ways to cultivate gratitude in your district:

  • Write a thank you note. Use our Thank You Note Template to express appreciation to a coworker or employee for their hard work.

  • Create a gratitude jar. Place a jar and strips of paper in your cafeteria for students to write something they’re grateful for. Display the notes to spread positivity.

  • Share a gratitude prompt. Encourage your staff to take a few minutes each day or week to reflect on what they’re thankful for. Here at ProTeam we’re in the middle of our 30 Days of Gratitude — each day, a new prompt is shared via email, and we take a moment to reflect and share. It’s been a wonderful way to connect and learn more about one another. Gratitude prompts were generated for this exercise using ChatGPT.

As we head into the holiday season, I hope you find time to reflect on the many reasons to be grateful — for our colleagues, our students, and the meaningful work we do every day.

Samantha has been on the Menu Team at ProTeam for more than a decade. She prides herself on immersing herself in each district she works with and learns its individual character to best serve them. Prior to joining ProTeam, Samantha worked as Supervisor of Menu Planning and Special Diets at Boston Public Schools and Field Coordinator at Round Rock Independent School District.

Paul Mackesey