Ethos-Driven Leadership?: Cultivating Self-Gratitude for Stronger Teams

“Say thank you to the person who does the most for you—yourself! Self-gratitude is essential.” – Dawn Christian

Hello BeLeadership??Community,

In our pursuit of leading with integrity and vision, it’s easy to overlook one essential element: self-gratitude. As the creator of the Ethos-Driven Leadership? framework, I’ve seen how recognizing and valuing our strengths and contributions can significantly enhance our leadership. Self-gratitude not only builds self-awareness and resilience but also creates a culture of belonging that will inspire entire teams.

The Power of Self-Gratitude in Leadership

Self-gratitude is a foundational principle in Ethos-Driven Leadership. I’ve found that when leaders take time to appreciate their growth, resilience, and successes, they’re better equipped to lead authentically. In my work with leaders, the results speak volumes:?

These benefits directly impact team dynamics and organizational health, leading to:

• 30% increase in employee engagement
• 28% boost in team productivity
• 22% reduction in turnover

When we recognize our worth, we become more genuine, resilient, and effective leaders—qualities that inspire and energize those around us.

Fostering Vulnerability and Psychological Safety

Self-gratitude fosters vulnerability, a cornerstone of Ethos-Driven Leadership. Leaders who show self-appreciation set an example, encouraging team members to do the same. This ripple effect elevates psychological safety in the workplace, resulting in:

• 76% higher team engagement
• 74% reduction in team stress
• 67% increase in team retention rates

When leaders model self-appreciation, they create spaces where teams feel valued, leading to a stronger connection and trust.

Cultivating Belonging and Engagement

In Ethos-Driven Leadership, belonging is a core leadership competency. Leaders who practice self-gratitude create environments where each person feels appreciated and important, fostering an engaging, inclusive culture. This sense of belonging contributes to:

• 56% increase in job performance
• 50% lower turnover risk
• 75% decrease in sick days

A leader’s self-gratitude has a profound impact on team well-being, productivity, and retention. When we show appreciation for ourselves, we model what it means to value everyone’s unique contributions.

Three Ways to Practice Self-Gratitude as a Leader

Based on my experience, here are some practical ways leaders can cultivate self-gratitude:

1. Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal Spend 5-10 minutes each day reflecting on three things you’re grateful for about yourself as a leader. This practice boosts self-awareness and resilience. For a structured approach, try using our Ethos-Driven Leadership Journal.
2. Celebrate Small Wins Recognize your daily achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating these “small wins” builds resilience and helps you stay motivated, especially during challenging times.
3. Practice Self-Compassion Extend to yourself the kindness you show to others. By treating yourself with patience and understanding, you encourage a growth mindset and minimize self-criticism.

Self-gratitude is more than a feel-good practice—it’s a powerful tool for transformative leadership. By practicing self-gratitude, we align our leadership with our core values, inspire trust, and create a more inclusive, engaged, and resilient work culture.

Thank you for joining me in exploring how self-gratitude can enhance our impact as leaders. Let’s continue to make a difference, starting with ourselves.

Warmly,

Dawn Christian

CEO and Founder, Belong by Dawn Christian

Creator of the Ethos-Driven Leadership? Framework

Citations:

1. Gratitude as an Essential Leadership Skill
2. The Ethos-Driven Leadership? Framework (Video)
3. Transforming Teams through Gratitude
4. BeLeadership Community
5. Why Gratitude Makes Leaders More Effective
6. Dawn Christian’s Leadership at PRSA
7. Why Leaders Need to Practice Gratitude
8. Real Examples of How Leaders Show Gratitude