How Hospitality Extends Beyond Just Your Team

Hey Beloved,

Let’s be real—I’m still figuring out this “newsie” rhythm. Consistency hasn’t exactly been my strength here, but I’m okay with that because, like all of us, I’m still in the process of becoming…

And to be honest, I’ve had to focus elsewhere for a bit. Life has been full lately—a good kind of full. A lot of exciting things are in the works, and I can’t wait to share more soon. From caring for those serving others to coaching leaders and companies in the transformative practice of hospitality, to even launching a fly fishing brand on Shopify—it’s been a wild season.

One day, I’ll find my groove and get more consistent with this newsie… or at least I’ll try to. But until then, I want to dive into something that’s been on my mind.

This week’s story is about hospitality in the workplace—a simple gesture that had a massive impact and speaks to the heart of what we’re building here in the Ministry of Welcome.

Let’s get into it…

The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Hospitality

A friend of mine, a leader in the senior living insurance world, just wrapped up a team retreat. His business is growing rapidly, and the focus of the retreat was on the next stages of that growth. A month before, he and I connected to chat about how he could make his people feel truly seen, valued, and welcomed throughout the experience.

One thing we quickly honed in on was this: when you pull people away for a retreat, they’re often leaving behind their partners and families. That separation can be a burden.

And it’s so easy, as leaders, to overlook that piece.

We assume that our priorities for growth, strategy, and the future of the company should naturally become our employees’ priorities too. But it’s easy to forget that this “extra commitment” is time they’re not spending with loved ones.

It begs the question: If we’re truly for our team, shouldn’t we also be for their families?

This reflection led to a simple yet powerful idea.

For the retreat, we decided to send a DoorDash gift card to the family of each team member, with a personal note attached:

“Thanks for letting us have [NAME] for a couple of days. We value your family so much and know it’s not always easy when they’re away. We hope we can take one less thing off your plate and want you to enjoy a dinner without the worry.”

The feedback was immediate and powerful.

My friend texted me after the retreat, sharing that spouses reached out to thank the company, calling it the kindest gesture from a company they’d ever received. Higher-ups, including the chairman, were equally impressed, and the ripple didn’t stop there. The team member who took care of arranging these gifts and notes was praised by colleagues and was given a lot of the credit, which made her feel even more valued.

This small act of kindness—a DoorDash gift card and a thoughtful note—was far more than a gesture; it was a sign of respect and gratitude for the unseen sacrifices of the families behind each team member.

Why Thoughtful Gestures Matter

This story speaks to something profound. In a world focused on metrics, strategy, and performance, a small, thoughtful gesture can create a massive ripple effect, impacting not just one person but an entire network of relationships.

And here’s the heart of it: true hospitality extends beyond the people we see every day—it reaches those who support them, those who make their work possible, and those who share in the sacrifices we often take for granted.

Imagine the kind of workplace culture we’d build if this became the norm.

A culture where every team member knows they’re valued not only as professionals but as people with lives, relationships, and commitments outside of work. A culture where leaders remember that our goals just might not be as important as their families.

Hospitality as Leadership

Hospitality in leadership isn’t only about grand gestures; it’s about being attuned to the often small things that can make a big difference, even within the most ordinary moments.

Here’s what I believe: hospitality is found in the details, often within the mundane, and it’s these little things—a handwritten note, a sincere “thank you,” or a simple acknowledgment—that carry the most weight.

The routine, the “normal” moments, have an untapped potential to create a sense of belonging.

Let this be a reminder that a small, thoughtful action today, even one woven into the ordinary rhythms of work, can create ripples that impact the entire culture tomorrow.

When we take the time to care for our team members’ lives outside of work—when we notice the details that matter to them—we’re inviting them into a relationship that goes beyond the transactional.

We’re showing that we see them not as resources but as whole people, whose lives and contributions matter in both big and small ways.

A Challenge to Lead with Hospitality

So here’s my challenge: look for ways to extend your welcome beyond the people in front of you. Think about the network of family, friends, and partners who support your team. What simple gesture can you extend to let them know they’re appreciated?

In the end, hospitality isn’t just about creating a space where people feel welcome. It’s about a posture of intentionality and attentiveness—a willingness to go beyond the obvious to reach the heart.

Let’s continue to build a culture where welcome is more than a word. Let it be a ministry.

Until next time, remember: that mundane gestures make a big impact. Thanks for being part of this journey.

Warmly…and Go Ducks 🦆

Nathan