Leading with Gratitude
As I began to explore the concept of Gratitude, it became clear that I was lacking it in my own life, both personally and professionally. It was time to Pivot. But why?
Gratitude is the expression of appreciation and thankfulness
As I became more conscious of Gratitude or a lack thereof, I realized how easy it is to be in a gratitude void. There are so many gratitude suckers, all you have to do is turn on the news or look at social media, and your gratitude scale can be sucked out of you. This coupled with working with organizations that refuse to recognize that culture trumps strategy and as a result, performance and engagement suffers. In the final analysis, this is a leadership failure.
If I was going to Lead With Intent – one of the tenets of Pivoting, I would have to intentionally begin to focus on adding Gratitude into my daily life; in all my interactions and wake up my Gratitude muscle (another tenant of Pivoting).
I have often said that when an organization and leadership gets it right, you can feel it when you first make contact with the organization, it’s palpable. There is a feeling you get, an energy people have. Currently, I have the pleasure to be aligned with just such an organization and for this, I am profoundly grateful. What I have noticed, and not surprised, is that spirit, starts at the top (it always does), just like cultures that don’t work - just look at the top.
The benefits of Leading with Gratitude:
Build your own self-worth and centeredness
Create a mindset of positivity
Reduce stress
Increase motivation and openness
The 10 Day Gratitude Challenge
Take 10 minutes to pause and recognize five things that you are grateful for, no matter how small, both personally and professionally.
Recognize individuals – tell them what you appreciate and demonstrate what you are grateful for (no matter how trivial, spread your gratitude - it is contagious).
Ask others what they appreciate and are grateful for. Do this in one-on-ones and in team meetings. Encourage others to voice their gratitude. And do this at home and with friends.
And after 10 days… Keep it going.
When Leading with Gratitude becomes a habit you will notice a difference, I promise. Just yesterday I noticed in a meeting I said, “I am so grateful . . . “ And I am.
There is no better time than now to Pivot and Lead with Gratitude.