- By Sophie Pinkoski

When we talk about expressing gratitude, it’s often in relation to how the CEO empowers their team. Yet we rarely talk about how to express gratitude toward the CEO. A leader doesn’t have anyone above them to recognize their work in quite the same way, which can make it extremely lonely at the top. Both their executive team and board are reliable sources for feedback, but seeking out more wide-ranging appreciation can be a challenge.

The board walks a balance between its oversight responsibilities and partnering with the CEO and leadership team.

It may come as unintuitive for the board of directors to express appreciation for their CEO while serving in an oversight role. Despite this, there are ways to fold appreciation into their work. This comes down to cultivating a culture of kindness, gratitude, and appreciation within the board until it becomes second nature. A psychologically safe environment builds trust between board members until individuals feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. An engaged board is more likely to connect with one another and give praise. In this way, it can become second nature for them to express appreciation for their CEO as well.

So, what can be done to create a culture of appreciation on your board?

The Chair sets the tone––The board Chair is going to have the most direct relationship with the CEO. Regular one on one meetings, communicating board updates and feedback gives ample opportunity to cultivate a trusting relationship between the Chair and CEO. Getting to know their needs in terms of recognition and how they prefer to receive it is key.

Everyone’s preferred language of appreciation is going to be different.

Find out which language of appreciation the CEO responds to best. They might prefer words of affirmation (recognition for doing something well), quality time (making time and being present for meetings), or acts of service (offering to take action to help manage the CEO's workload). From there, the Chair can bring this information back to the board and lead by example. This way, the board of directors can get a better sense of supportive behaviour expected of them.

Kindness leads to authentic praise––Instilling a sense of kindness on the board can be crucial to introducing a culture of openness. Often dismissed as “weak leadership”, kindness is a relational leadership characteristic that keeps the organization’s best interests at heart. This may include feedback that may be difficult to hear, but will ultimately help the CEO and board develop.

Acknowledging both an individual’s strengths and what they can improve on makes for well-rounded, meaningful praise.

A leader doesn’t just want to hear that they’re doing great. They want to know what they’re doing well and how they can do even better. The more specific the appreciation, the more meaningful it will be.

Infuse appreciation in everything the board does––A big part of expressing praise is not saving them for big wins. Appreciation is something to be expressed for both big and small wins, on a daily basis. The key is to offer frequent, but meaningful feedback. Remember that there may be a gap between the appreciation you think you’re expressing, and how it’s perceived. Notice how the other person prefers to receive recognition and learn to speak their language of appreciation.

When people regularly hear about the good work they’re doing, they will be motivated to continue doing that good work.

A lack of frequent appreciation can lead to individuals feeling unvalued, which can in turn cause burnout and disengagement. Since the pandemic, more and more leaders have been willing to resign if they feel underappreciated. Don’t wait to let them know the benefits they add to the organization.  

When appreciation permeates the entire board, it creates a powerful ripple effect. Board members and the CEO alike feel happier, trusted, and valued. Ultimately, by supporting the CEO through a culture of appreciation, you’re not just enhancing their leadership—you’re strengthening the entire board and setting the stage for organizational success.

Further Reading

Kindness in the Boardroom, Director Prep

The Value of Kindness in Corporate Leadership, Chartered Governance Institute

Boardroom Character, Director Prep

For CEOs, Loneliness is Not an Option, Chief Executive

Bridging the Workplace Gratitude Gap, Chief Executive

3 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Your Workplace, Chief Executive

The 5 Languages Of Appreciation At Work, Forbes

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Gary Chapman & Paul White