Why Leading With Gratitude Is More Important Than Ever

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Gratitude is not a strategy. It is a way of life. It is how you see the world around you. It is how you see yourself. It is how you do your work. It is how you treat people. It is how you face challenges. Above all, gratitude is a way of saying, ‘Life is great, no matter what!’

According to Adrian and Chester, ‘A lack of gratitude is a form of stupidity. It leaves on the table an enormously powerful tool not only to inspire people to reach their potential, but to actually better understand the true nature of their contributions.’

Developing genuine gratitude involves carefully observing what employees are doing, walking in their shoes, developing greater empathy, and sincerely trying to understand the challenges they face.’

‘Developing respect is about helping others grow and supporting people who make honest mistakes. It includes sharing the credit and absorbing blame when needed.’

‘When the right behaviors are in place, there is little time spent in fear.’

… gratitude provides clarity about whether the work they are doing is correct, valued by the boss or others, and making a significant contribution to the business.’

‘Expressing authentic gratitude is about much more than what a leader says, or even how she says it- it’s about why she says it.’

‘If employees are afraid of punitive actions, they are more likely to try to cover up problems.’

‘Leaders who develop empathy for others are great enablers of authentic gratitude.’

‘Creativity requires trust. Cultures of low trust, where managers react badly to failure, create too negative an environment for productivity and innovation to flow.’

‘Avoid the over-ask- especting too much from employees by asking for ideas that are out of their purview or asking too many questions at once.’

Source:

Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton (2020). Leading with Gratitude: Eight Leadership Practices for Extraordinary Business Results

How To Get To The Top On Your Own Terms

You can get to the top if you are willing to do the work. You must, according to Josh Altman, ‘constantly be creating your own opportunities.’

Whatever you are doing right now, do it well. Because it is the beginning of where you are going. Your future depends on what you are doing right now.

According to Lauren Maillian Bias, ‘It doesn’t matter why the door opens. If it opens, don’t hesitate to walk through it, but be prepared to work harder than expected. Expectations of you are always higher than they may outwardly seem.’

‘Learn to clearly communicate in a way that commands respect, but isn’t abrasive.’

Always be committed to the job at hand. Do it well and get noticed enough to move forward.’

Show that you can persevere with grace during difficult situations. Problems are a part of life, and we all encounter them, but how you handle them will be most memorable.’

When people show you their true colors, believe them. Don’t make excuses for other people’s negative behaviors.’

Treat everyone like a rock star.’

Know when to hold out for what’s most important to you.’

Always be the bigger person and rise above the nonsense. Remember: The actions of those who would tear you down are a reflection of them. Don’t let someone win by dragging you into his or her mud puddle.’

Own your voice, control your narrative, and be deliberate in your communication.’

You are your reputation, not your company or your title. It’s all about you– the impresssions you leave, the interests you pique, the conversations you start.’

Stay grounded and never lose sight of your moral compass.’

Seek to work with people with integrity. You can always find higher ground when you’re working with good people.’

Every time you’re faced with a major decision, ask yourself: ‘Is it worth it even if I fail?’ If the answer is ‘yes,’ go for it!’

Live life on your terms. Do what works best for your life as defined by you and no one else.’

Source:

Lauren Maillian Bias (2014). The Path Redefined: Getting to The Top on Your Own Terms