Disclaimer: MRO is committed to providing non-binding guidance to industry stakeholders on important industry topics. Subject matter experts from MRO’s organizational groups have authored some of the articles in this publication, and the opinion and views expressed in these articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions and views of MRO. The following article was written by Nazra Gladu, from Manitoba Hydro.

I listened in on an MRO Board meeting recently where board members thanked each other for the great work done during the year, and it got me thinking. It doesn’t cost anything to say “thank you.” Yet, in many workplaces and organizations, gratitude is the invisible line many never cross. We move through our days focused on deadlines, deliverables, and hierarchies, forgetting that behind every polished report, every well-prepared response, and every successful project are people – colleagues who put in the effort to make it all happen.

The Invisible Line of Gratitude

There’s a subtle but powerful barrier in professional environments: the assumption that recognition should only flow downward from leaders, or upward toward executives. But gratitude doesn’t need to be bound by hierarchy. In fact, it flourishes when it moves freely in every direction.

Too often, as things are filtered up through layers of management, the names and faces of those who did the work fade into the background. The report lands on a desk, the response to an inquiry is provided, the presentation is delivered, and the credit is absorbed at the top. So why not pause to thank those who put the response together, who worked late to get that report done, who made sure the details were accurate?

Gratitude as a Leadership Tool

Saying “thank you” is not just polite, it’s strategic. It builds trust, strengthens morale, and fosters a culture where people feel valued. Leaders who express appreciation create teams that are more resilient, more collaborative, and more motivated. And peers who acknowledge each other’s contributions build bonds that make the workplace more human and connected.

But don’t stop there. Gratitude shouldn’t be whispered in private – say it publicly. Cross that invisible line. Recognize the effort in front of others. When you respond to leadership or executives, make sure to mention who supported or contributed to the response. Copy them on the email when appropriate, and highlight their efforts in meetings and team updates. Share it in the spaces where acknowledgment can carry weight. Because gratitude doesn’t dilute authority or weaken professionalism, it amplifies respect and strengthens connection.

A New Year, A New Approach

So as the new year approaches, why don’t you take a new approach? Make gratitude part of your daily practice. Thank the engineer-in-training who researched and gathered the data. Thank the subject matter expert who double-checked the numbers and content. Thank the colleague who stayed late to create and polish the slides.

It doesn’t cost anything, but it pays dividends in loyalty, engagement, and goodwill.

Remember, as you set goals for the year ahead, add one more resolution to your list: cross that invisible line. Say “thank you.” Not just when it’s expected, but when it’s needed most.When someone goes the extra mile, when the work behind the scenes makes the difference, when gratitude and recognition can inspire others to do the same. Let’s make 2026 the year we cross that line!

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