Positive managers can boost team spirit and profitability, says expert
Dr Mark Rowe, a GP, author and burnout prevention expert, as well as the founder of the Waterford Health Park.
Caring, engaging managers can help spread positive emotional contagion and foster good habits across an entire workplace, says a leading wellness expert.
Author, Tedx speaker, with expertise in burnout prevention and lifestyle medicine, Dr Mark Rowe has also been a family physician for more than 30 years. He is the founder of the Waterford Health Park, the base for his medical practice and for the Lifestyle Medicine Be Well Clinic.
“In the same way that gorillas all look to the silverback, the leaders in any group can help set a positive tone,” said Dr Rowe. “They can set an emotional mood that spreads very quickly throughout the group.
“People pick up on a positive, affirming mindset. In a work context, everyone wants to feel validated, appreciated and recognised. When you get that right, you’ll usually find that the company sees benefits around employee performance, productivity, talent retention, pride of place and, of course, profitability.”
While much of Dr Rowe’s advice focuses on how individuals can help themselves boost their own wellness, his advice also applies to groups, notably for workplace teams.
A regular host of workshops for some of Ireland’s leading companies, Dr Rowe’s books outline in detail how the transformative power of gratitude can foster happiness and emotional resilience.
He highlights the increasing prevalence of what he calls 'Gratitude Deficiency Syndrome' — a state where individuals struggle to appreciate the positives in life, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and overall life dissatisfaction.
“Rather than trying to change the world, I try to focus on what I can do to change myself,” he says. “I build gratitude practices into my life. That helps to show appreciation to others. People react to recognition and reward, which is why it’s important to celebrate micro-achievements.
“Some people are naturally better than others at this, but these are skills that can be learned. I offer people proven, practical strategies that can be very helpful.”
Dr Rowe has gained widespread respect for his work around building gratitude into our lives. In this context, he also cites Dr Barbara Fredrickson’s ‘Positivity Ratios’ theory.
“We are all hard-wired for negativity,” said Dr Rowe. “Our goal should be to get our positivity up to a 3:1 ratio. That degree of positivity would be very beneficial in our lives.
“We’re not aiming for a 3:0 ratio. That is not the goal. Negativity has its place too. But if we take practical steps, we can build up our positivity, and the benefits can benefit everyone around us.”
Sometimes, Dr Rowe starts his workshop by seeking a show of hands from all those who feel a degree scepticism. He welcomes their scepticism.
“I am a sceptic too. Scientists always want to see research-based evidence before they trust anything. Science shows that gratitude has profound effects on mental and physical health, from reducing stress to improving sleep and boosting overall happiness,” says Dr Rowe.
“By consciously acknowledging the good in our lives, we shift our focus from scarcity to abundance, enhancing our overall well-being. I often tell people to think about 101 things about their health that they are grateful for.”
Dr Rowe says that gratitude is more than just an emotion; it is a practice that can rewire the brain for positivity and well-being.
In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, many individuals are experiencing a chronic lack of gratitude — what Dr Rowe has termed 'Gratitude Deficiency Syndrome'.
This condition arises when people become so absorbed in daily stressors, comparisons, and negative self-talk that they fail to recognise and appreciate the positives in their lives. Symptoms may include chronic dissatisfaction, heightened anxiety, and a persistent focus on what is lacking rather than what is present.
“The constant exposure to social media and external pressures can make people feel like they are never enough or that their lives are lacking, creating FOMO,” Dr Rowe explains. “This mindset can have a serious impact on emotional well-being, fueling a cycle of negativity and stress.”
To combat ‘Gratitude Deficiency Syndrome’ and promote happiness, Dr Rowe recommends simple but effective daily practices:
Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for. This helps train the mind to focus on the positives.
Make it a habit to tell others you appreciate them, whether through a text message, a handwritten note, or a simple “thank you”.
Spend time in nature, practice deep breathing, or meditate to stay present and recognise the beauty in everyday moments.
Helping others through small acts of kindness can boost your own happiness while spreading positivity.
Reducing exposure to curated, idealised images online can help people focus more on their own lives and blessings rather than comparisons.
Dr Rowe encourages individuals to make gratitude a cornerstone of their daily lives.
“By practicing gratitude, we can create a ripple effect of positivity — not just within ourselves, but in our communities and beyond. Happiness isn’t just about external success; it’s about appreciating what we have, fostering meaningful relationships, and finding joy in the present moment.
“In the context of work those workplaces that devote time to people’s wellbeing tend to reduce the risk of burnout and absenteeism; instead, they see great positives around worker satisfaction, retention and performance.”
For practical tips and insights on health and wellbeing, follow @DrMarkRowe on socials and see his website:
