News from Leadership By Design

News From LBD

November 2011 Volume 3 Issue 11

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING at PLYMOUTH

In early autumn of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated the ir successful harvest, as was the English custom. During this time, many Indians came, perhaps 90 men, including their great king Massasoit. That 1621 celebration is remembered as the "First Thanksgiving at Plymouth."

However, the Pilgrims did not call this harvest festival a "Thanksgiving," although the y did give thanks to God. To the m, a "Day of Thanksgiving" was purely religious. The first recorded religious Day of Thanksgiving was held in 1623 in response to a providential rainfall.

The religious day of thanksgiving and the harvest festival eventually evolved into a single event, a yearly Thanksgiving, proclaimed by individual governors for a Thursday in November. The custom of an annual Thanksgiving celebrating abundance and family spread across America.

Some presidents proclaimed Thanksgivings, o the rs did not. Abraham Lincoln began the tradition of an annual national Thanksgiving in 1863.

Thanksgiving is an enduring symbol from which millions of immigrants have learned "Americanism." While not all Native Peoples celebrate the day, the story of the Pilgrims and Indians, sharing a harvest celebration, remains an inspiration to many.

The leadership and teamwork required of the Pilgrims, to achieve what the y did despite the odds, should also be an inspiration to many.

This Thanksgiving, celebrate and enjoy it with the same passion the Pilgrims did!

What Leaders are Reading

Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Everyday of Your Life by M. J. Ryan -

In this inspiring book, author M.J. Ryan shows readers how to nurture this attitude every day of their lives. Short, easy-to-digest essays explain why gratitude chases away negative emotions - and how gratitude is possible even in times of pain and hardship.

Count Your Blessings: The Healing Power of Gratitude and Love by John F. Demartini -
Filled with practical action steps, this book uses real-life examples, simple techniques, exercises, meditations, visualizations, and affirmations to show readers how to strengthen and heal all aspects of life by focusing on the positive side of life's experiences.

Leadership Tip of The Month

Having an "attitude of gratitude" is a leadership gift.

It can have a positive impact on those you lead. People are often more motivated, for example, by those who show gratitude.
Here are three things you can do to help increase the "attitude of gratitude" as a leader.

1. Show gratitude, express gratitude. Whether in person, mail, or text, the more you show it, the more you will feel it.

2. Focus on the strengths and diversity of your team. It is easy to focus on the things that are negative about people. But if you will take the time to notice the unique contributions each person makes you will find yourself becoming more thankful.

3. Keep a gratitude journal. A powerful way to become more grateful is to reflect on what you are grateful for. This can be in writing, prayer or meditation.

Remember that an "attitude of gratitude" will make you a more effective leader.

What are you grateful for and what are ways you can help cultivate the "attitude of gratitude" in your life?

For additional information contact LBD.

John Branstad

Quote of the Month

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

John Branstad
www.leadershipbydesign.org
763-213-5267