The Unconventional Leadership Playbook: How CEOs Are Rediscovering Human Connection in the Digital Age

The Handwritten Note Revolution

In an age where digital communication dominates corporate interactions, a quiet revolution is unfolding in executive suites across America. Forward-thinking CEOs are rediscovering that sometimes the most powerful leadership tools are the simplest ones—a handwritten note, a shared meal, or genuine human recognition., according to related coverage

Chris Tomasso, CEO of the $1 billion restaurant chain First Watch, has turned this philosophy into a monthly ritual. Despite leading a company with over 15,000 employees, he personally handwrites congratulatory notes to team members celebrating significant milestones. “I want to thank and reward loyalty, longevity, [and] the contributions that they make to the company,” Tomasso explained in his interview with Fortune., as comprehensive coverage

Breaking Down the Corner Office Walls

Tomasso’s approach extends beyond written appreciation. He deliberately minimizes the perceived distance between himself and his team by eating lunch in the break room alongside employees. “I tried to minimize the [CEO] title as best I can when I’m interacting with people,” he noted. This simple act of sharing a meal consistently surprises new hires, highlighting how uncommon such behavior has become in corporate culture., according to technology trends

The impact of these gestures isn’t merely symbolic—it’s strategic. Tomasso believes that creating an environment where employees feel genuinely appreciated directly translates to better business outcomes. “Our job is to create an environment where our employees are happy and feel appreciated and they take care of the rest,” he shared on LinkedIn. “And they do it better than anyone.”, according to market trends

The Ripple Effect of Appreciation

Tomasso’s leadership style traces back to a formative experience early in his career. At 26, he received a handwritten thank-you note from his CEO at Hard Rock Café—a letter he’s preserved to this day. When he assumed his own CEO role in 2018, he committed to carrying forward that same people-first philosophy., according to emerging trends

This appreciation-centric approach isn’t unique to Tomasso. Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of luxury retailer Neiman Marcus, maintained a pre-pandemic practice of sending three to five handwritten thank-you notes daily. Even with the shift to remote work, he continues the tradition through adapted methods while preserving the core sentiment., according to recent studies

“I was taught by great mentors of the power of sending a thank-you note,” van Raemdonck told Fortune. “It’s really important for me—the moment of ‘thank you’—because I know what it is to receive a thank-you, to be acknowledged.”

Cross-Generational Appeal

Even younger tech leaders are embracing analog methods for their unique benefits. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, known for operating at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, often turns to pen and paper when tackling complex problems.

“I think of writing as externalized thinking,” Altman explained on the How I Write podcast. “I still, if I have a very hard problem, or if I feel a little bit confused about something, have not found anything better to do than to sit down and make myself write it out.”

Meanwhile, Chevron Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth continues the tradition of sending “old-school, on paper” appreciation messages. He explained on the How Leaders Lead podcast that he draws from his own early career experiences: “I think back to when I was early in my career, and if a CEO had sent me a letter and actually knew what I was doing, it would have been a really big deal for me.”

The Science Behind the Sentiment

Research in organizational psychology supports what these CEOs have discovered empirically. Studies consistently show that genuine appreciation and recognition:

• Increase employee engagement by up to 60%
• Reduce turnover in high-performing employees by 31%
• Boost productivity by 12-15%

The physical act of handwriting itself carries psychological weight. Neuroscience research indicates that handwriting activates different brain regions than typing, creating stronger emotional connections and better memory retention.

The Future of Human-Centric Leadership

As artificial intelligence transforms workplace communication, the deliberate choice to maintain human-centered practices represents a strategic counterbalance. These CEOs demonstrate that technological efficiency and human connection aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re complementary.

The resurgence of these traditional gestures suggests that in an increasingly automated world, the human elements of leadership—personal recognition, shared experiences, and genuine appreciation—may become even more valuable differentiators in building successful organizations.

What remains clear is that while technology continues to evolve, the fundamental human need for connection and recognition endures. The most effective leaders of tomorrow will likely be those who master both digital innovation and timeless human engagement.

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