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As Thanksgiving approaches in the U.S., many leaders are getting ready for family or friend gatherings. This year people are reconnecting in larger numbers after several years of staying apart due to the unforgiving virus. For some leaders, the regathering is being welcomed with open arms, looking forward to rekindling relationships and sharing stories. Other leaders are steamed in a bit of anxiety, not sure how these gatherings will feel. Either way, we owe it to ourselves to lead through this time with openness and gratitude.
We also need to think about how we will bring gratitude into our in-person and virtual work worlds. Leading through these past several years has been a real challenge for leaders and teams. Putting out fires and staying focused has been at the center of most leaders’ agendas. There has been little time or priority to reconnect with team members in a deeper way. As we embark on this season of gratitude, leaders might want to adjust their “to do” list and add gratitude to the top.
A leadership gratitude challenge:
1. Create A Grateful Mindset
It is easy to gather again in our workspaces and pick up exactly where we left off before the pandemic. The thing is if we overlook what has happened over the past several years and do nothing to express our gratitude of being together again, we are not being grateful leaders. We need to shift our thinking towards the miracle of coming through such a difficult time and reconnecting. That pivot begins within each leader’s conscious mind.
2. Champion Each Member Of The Team
Be the leader who steps up and expresses the value each team member brings to the table. When we champion others, we show them that they matter to us and we are grateful for their contributions. When we champion others we bring them joy and validation. Some ways to champion colleagues are:
- Send them an email of thanks where you acknowledge their specific achievements.
- Offer them a gift card of appreciation.
- Meet with them to find out more about their interests and vision.
3. Build A Culture Of Gratitude
A great follow-up to you championing others, is designing a culture of gratitude. In fact, modeling how to show gratitude is contagious. So why not introduce the idea at the next team meeting? One organization I worked with asked each team member to share what they value the most about each other. It was so inspiring and moving as well as impactful in building deeper relationships. Another team shared email shoutouts of appreciation. Choose what rituals would work in your organization and begin the chain of showing gratitude.
4. Share Your Gifts With Others
An empowering move for leaders to demonstrate the magic of gratitude, is to offer to share their strengths and talents with team members, bosses and everyone they encounter in the workplace. When we are willing to take the time to help others who may be at a crossroad or struggling, we are saying, “I am grateful for you and would love to extend a hand.” Step up and lead with your gifts.
- Ask a colleague who is having difficulty with an aspect of a project that you excel at, how you can help.
- Mention to the team that you are able to work later hours to make a deadline.
- Offer to mentor a peer in an area you are talented.
- Lead with the superpower you have!
5. Keep A Gratitude Journal
A final way to key into your gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Journaling is a way to remind leaders what they need to be grateful for in their personal and professional lives. When we write down and acknowledge the lessons we learned or the generous people we connected with, we are building our gratitude muscle. We are reminding ourselves the importance of being appreciative.
Are you ready for the gratitude challenge? How will you add gratitude to your leadership?
Happy Thanksgiving!