 While both groups received feedback on how they were doing, it was that little bit extra the gratitude group received that made the difference. But more importantly, it was the type of recognition. Instead of just saying thank you, the director said, I am very grateful for your hard work. And those four words, I am very grateful, can light a fire under your employees. In this study, the people who heard that made an impressive 50 more phone calls the following week. The study concluded that when people in power express gratitude, people perform better and everyone wins.