[MMM] The Science Behind the Thankful Leader

Happy Tuesday,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and that it came with all the trimmings.

I just finished a leadership coaching session with one of my clients. There has been tremendous progress in her organization and particularly in her growth as a leader.

I asked her, “Are you happier?” 

She responded that yes, she’s much more fulfilled at work which has, in turn, impacted her family in a very positive way as well.

She spoke about how over the thanksgiving weekend she reflected on all the progress she’d made in her life this past year.

In a research study about gratitude by Dr. Robert Emmons and Mike McCullough of the University of California, participants were divided into two groups. The first group was asked to keep a short journal over a period of 10 weeks about things they were grateful for. The second group was asked to write things that they were frustrated by. The first group reported a substantive drop in health issues, exercised 1.5 hours more and were 25% happier than the group that focused on what they were frustrated by.

As you start this week, what are you focusing on?

The science is in your favour if, as a leader, you are looking at the “glass as half full”. Of course, the good news is that if your glass is half empty you can always fill it up again.

Along the road with you,

Alan

P.S. Feeling like your glass is half empty? We can help you reset your career to “full”. Reach out to Cynthia from our Client Success team at 1-(866) 298-9511 ext 4 or [email protected].

P.P.S. Federal Public Service shouldn’t mean “boring government job”. It should mean exciting opportunities in the largest Canadian employers. Join our next Lunch & Learn Webinar, “Building a Successful Public Service Career — The Right Way” on October 22 from 12 to 1 pm eastern time.

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