What Are You Grateful For?
I was speaking to all the students of our local high school yesterday about success, resilience and overcoming adversity. Whether you're in high school or the school of hard knocks, I think my message to these teenagers is prescient for all leaders and aspiring leaders.
Did you know that up until this point in time, your success and the success of your company and organization is the result of the sum total of all decisions and choices you and your leadership team have made.
I experienced a health crisis a few years ago and as a result, there were things I learned about myself. Some of these I'd like to share because I think they are relevant to leadership today.
✅ First is responsibility. As the leader, take 100% responsibility for everything, especially when things don't work out. For the wins, let others take the lead and let them baske in the glow of success.
When the results aren't what you were shooting for, don't lay blame. Accept the current reality and the results as they are, then seek to understand why. Use the loss as an opportunity for learning and growth.
✅ Second is authenticity. It's easy as the leader to forget who you truly are. Be authentic, be truthful with yourself and with others. If you're not, THEY will see right through you. When that happens, TRUST will erode.
✅ Third is Gratitude. Gratitude = Attitude! Next week is Thanksgiving. It's THANKS GIVING!
We don't say thanks-taking, or thanks-seeking, or thanks-receiving. It's a time to GIVE THANKS.
While at times you might not feel like it, there are many things you can be greatful for. It could be a simple word of encouragement, a smile, the morning sunshine, a song you hear on the radio that brings back a memory.
Being in Gratitude, things can and will change. It's a mindset and a state of being.
Yesterday, I asked the students to try this:
For the next 10 days, find one thing each day that you are grateful for and write it down. Keep it.
Next, each day GIVE THANKS to someone else. Share your appreciation to a friend, a colleague, a family member, anyone you can think of. Ask your family to do the same.
As the leader, take a moment, one-to-one, to show your authentic appreciation for a colleague, an employee, a customer, your family and friends.
Each day I am grateful to have a second chance at life, to live authentically and with Purpose. As I asked the students yesterday, "What are you grateful for?" "What is your purpose?"
I wonder... what would happen if we could be in Gratitude more than just at this time of year?
Until Next Time With Gratitude
