Giving Thanks
Frank Talarico, PNWPGA CEO
November is here and the Thanksgiving holiday with it. Gratitude, togetherness, generosity, and reflection are at its core, and these values resonate well in the business world. In my experience, teams that build cultures rooted in these principles have a strategic advantage, improving their resilience, workforce satisfaction, and customer loyalty. Let’s explore how the essence of Thanksgiving can be a business asset in today’s corporate landscape.
The Power of Gratitude: Building Stronger Teams
Thanksgiving begins with gratitude, and that same appreciation is a catalyst for stronger, more motivated teams. Studies show that employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, productive, and loyal. Acknowledging hard work with authentic, personalized gratitude builds a sense of belonging. It’s about leaders taking a moment to express thanks not just at annual reviews, but consistently. At an organizational level, celebrating achievements, big or small, boosts morale. Companies like Patagonia thrive by embedding gratitude into daily culture and policies, fostering resilient, committed teams.
Togetherness: Building Inclusive Cultures
Thanksgiving is a time when families gather, emphasizing the strength of togetherness. Translating this into business, teams can create cultures of inclusivity, where every employee feels they’re part of a unified whole. Inclusivity isn’t just about hiring diverse talent; it’s about ensuring that every voice is valued and heard. Organizations must be intentional in creating spaces where employees from all backgrounds can connect and collaborate. Businesses can promote unity through team-building events, recognizing diverse holidays, or inclusive meetings. Salesforce, inspired by the Hawaiian “Ohana” (family) concept, has championed inclusivity to attract talent and build customer trust. When companies prioritize togetherness, they strengthen workplace culture and deepen customer connections.
Generosity: Giving Back Drives Loyalty
Generosity is central to Thanksgiving celebrations, whether it’s sharing food, time, or resources with others. Businesses, too, benefit from a culture of generosity, which can be extended to both employees and communities. Corporate social responsibility programs have become more than a checkbox for businesses; they’re a way to foster goodwill among employees and customers alike. In the PNWPGA and our five chapters, community impact programs are an annual priority. Giving back, whether through charitable donations or sustainable practices, can define a company’s brand. TOMS, for example, donates shoes for every pair sold, building its identity around generosity. Such companies stand out in the market, inspire customer loyalty, and foster employee pride, as people prefer supporting businesses that align with their values.
Reflection: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future
Thanksgiving is also a time for reflection—looking back on the past year and recognizing what we’ve learned. For businesses, regular reflection on successes and failures is essential for innovation and growth. Regular reviews and strategic sessions foster agility and continuous improvement. Learning organizations like Toyota and my former Goodwill territory in California, where I served as CEO, embrace “kaizen” (continuous improvement), using feedback loops to refine processes. This culture helps companies adapt to changes and turn setbacks into growth opportunities, fostering innovation and resilience.
Celebrating Success Together
The Thanksgiving table symbolizes celebration—a feast enjoyed by all as a reward for shared efforts. In business, celebrating success is equally vital. Recognizing achievements—whether through public praise or milestone celebrations—energizes employees and reinforces positivity. Even small, regular acknowledgments can make a difference. Microsoft, for instance, celebrates “small wins” to keep teams motivated and foster a culture of accomplishment.
Embracing the Thanksgiving Spirit Year-Round
By embedding the values of gratitude, togetherness, generosity, and reflection into their operations, organizations create workplaces that are both resilient and adaptable. The Thanksgiving spirit has the power to improve workplace culture, enhance customer loyalty, and promote sustainable success. All leaders should consider embracing these principles not just once a year, but every day, because in the end, the companies that thrive are those that make people feel valued, supported, and inspired to bring their best to the table.
With Sincere Appreciation
In the continued spirit of gratitude, my personal and most sincere appreciation for sponsors of some of our recent events.
Pacific Golf and Turf Pro-Am Championship sponsors: Pete Trudeau with Pacific Golf & Turf, Amy Grogan with Hole-In-One USA, Chris Gaines with Mizuno USA, and Nikon.
Hudson Cup sponsors: Craig Pelzer, Pelzer Golf Supplies, Bryan Dickson with Pukka Headwear, and Keith Moskowitz with Under Armour. Thank you, all!
Important News and Notes
On behalf of the PNWPGA Section and PNWPGA Foundation we would like to invite you to support the national HOPE 4 Heroes campaign, benefiting local PGA HOPE programs within our Section. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is creating new opportunities for Veterans to find a new sense of wellness and community – all through the game of golf.
As the HOPE 4 Heroes Campaign kicks off today, we’re excited to share and celebrate PGA HOPE and our Veterans together. Funds raised will be invested right back into our local programming – directly impacting Veterans’ lives. The campaign will run through Veterans Day and Giving Tuesday and conclude on December 31. Click here to make a donation to support our Veterans! For more information and how to best support this effort, please contact Angela Hinzpeter at [email protected] or Marlena Cannon at [email protected].
The Section will be hosting our next PGA HOPE member training, Dec 2 @ Glen Acres. For more information, please click here or contact Angela Hinzpeter.
The winter webinar schedule is available! I encourage you to take a look at the “offseason” opportunities at: https://pnwpga.com/member-services/education.
As always, never hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our phenomenal staff.
Frank Talarico, CEO