Kindness At Work Isn't Optional with Chester Elton

Recognition isn’t a new idea. And yet, engagement continues to decline. In this conversation, Morag and Chester Elton explore why gratitude and recognition remain underutilised—and how leaders can create meaningful change in the moments they control. ⏱️ Key Moments 00:01 From broadcasting to recognition 04:21 Why recognition creates real business impact 09:47 The disconnect: why engagement is still falling 12:09 Broken trust and the employer-employee relationship 14:23 What leaders can control (even in broken systems) 15:50 The ripple effect of appreciation 17:27 Why culture spreads through small teams 18:30 Designing a life of gratitude 20:33 The power of random acts of kindness 22:14 The “gratitude stone” story 25:22 Making kindness a daily discipline 26:48 “You have to choose to be offended” 💡 Key Takeaways Recognition is still seen as optional—and that’s the problem Leaders underestimate how much small moments matter Culture isn’t built at the top—it’s built in teams Gratitude isn’t a mindset alone—it’s a practice You don’t need permission to create a better culture around you (00:01) - From broadcasting to recognition (04:21) - Why recognition creates real business impact (09:47) - The disconnect: why engagement is still falling (12:09) - Broken trust and the employer-employee relationship (14:23) - What leaders can control (even in broken systems) (15:50) - The ripple effect of appreciation (17:27) - Why culture spreads through small teams (18:30) - Designing a life of gratitude (20:33) - The power of random acts of kindness (22:14) - The “gratitude stone” story (25:22) - Making kindness a daily discipline (26:48) - “You have to choose to be offended”