Gratitude in Leadership: Why It Matters and How to Practice It

In a world that often feels unpredictable, particularly during times of upheaval, being in a position of leadership can resemble navigating a storm without a compass. Unexpected challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting policies, and societal pressures continuously reshape the environments in which we operate. Amid this turbulence, gratitude can offer a steadying force, grounding leaders personally while inspiring and uplifting their teams.?

Gratitude is more than a feel-good emotion; it’s a way of operating with tangible benefits. Research shows its impact on workplace satisfaction, productivity, and team cohesion. When leaders express gratitude, it enhances employee satisfaction, retention, and mental health by reducing stress and fostering trust. This underscores gratitude not just as a virtue but as a critical tool for building resilient, high-performing teams.?

The challenges we’ve collectively faced—ranging from global crises to uncertainty in education—emphasize the importance of adaptability. Yet, in the push to adapt, it’s easy to focus solely on obstacles or what needs fixing. Gratitude shifts that perspective by encouraging leaders to celebrate what’s working, the strength within their teams, and the meaningful purpose driving their work. Expressing gratitude fosters stability by highlighting contributions and achievements, no matter how small. It deepens connections by showing genuine appreciation for colleagues and inspires resilience, creating a sense of value and support within teams.?

For me, gratitude has become a personal practice. Though I’m not yet consistent in practicing it daily, I’ve been cultivating it through coaching.? I frequently pause to reflect on the people I’m privileged to work alongside of and the meaningful nature of our shared goals. Reflecting on this reminds me of the importance of relationships and the strength they bring to me as a leader.?

I aim to integrate gratitude into my leadership in three ways.??

1. Taking Time to Reflect: I carve out moments to reflect throughout the week by asking myself: What am I grateful for???

This practice helps me stay grounded and approach challenges with clarity.??

2. Acknowledging Contributions: I make an effort to acknowledge contributions regularly, whether through a quick note, an email, or a public shout-out. And,?

3. Leading with Positivity: I strive to lead with positivity, especially during uncertain times, by focusing on what we can control and sharing that optimism with my team.??

While my practice is far from perfect, each step deepens my mindset and enhances the energy I bring to leadership.?

As we move through this holiday season and into the year ahead, I encourage you to consider how you might incorporate gratitude into your leadership. Start small by sending a note of thanks to a colleague. Build consistency through habits like maintaining a weekly gratitude journal or celebrating wins during team check-ins. Most importantly, make it personal—genuine and specific gratitude resonates deeply.?

Gratitude isn’t just a seasonal sentiment; it’s a leadership philosophy. When embraced fully, it transforms not only how we lead but also how our teams can thrive.??