“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
~ Zig Ziglar
Showing Up With Gratitude
Leading a team of individuals always brings up challenges of its own. It also provides many opportunities for personal growth for you and the individuals that you serve. Showing up with gratitude can be a powerful tool in how you serve and lead. Expressing gratitude not only shows appreciation for the tools and people around us, it also allows us to become vulnerable and humble leaders. Being in a state of gratitude forces us to take a critical look at the people and things that we surrounded ourselves by, what are the roles that people play in your life that maybe you take for granted? Speak up and voice your gratitude, acknowledging someone’s part in your life can bring reflection and humility to our leading.
A Humble Leader
Being in a state of gratitude will impact your daily life, the culture of your team, and enhance your relationships. We have more respect for those that are able to humbly express gratitude, and because of this those that we serve will have more confidence and loyalty in our leadership. People would rather want to engage with happy, optimistic and powerful people than someone that can’t accept other people’s positive influence. A leader showing up in gratitude has an edge to make sudden changes or adjustments when performance is low. Being authentically grateful for where and who you are is contagious and it encourages behavior that everyone can own.
Sharing With Others
As you reflect on this past year, who are you thankful for in your life? Think of those that entered or maintained their presence in your life and have supported you into becoming the person you are today. Leaders, co-workers, parents, siblings, significant others, friends, and children all influence our lives. How are you acknowledging these individuals for their contributions? It may be as you sit around the table on Thanksgiving that prompts you to share gratitude and thankfulness with others. I encourage you as you pass the pumpkin pie to also share some humble pie and share your heartfelt thoughts with others. I invite you to be the one to lead and set the example of showing your appreciation for the people who are seated at your table. For those who may not be present, let them know that they are not forgotten on this day of giving thanks.
Imagine how rich your relationships will be with just a little spice of appreciation, gratitude, and thankfulness.
In service,
Greg
Dig Deeper on the Topic:
In Times of Crisis, a Little Thanks Goes a Long Way
How Gratitude Can Transform Your Workplace
Why Gratitude Makes Leaders More Effective
