Why Leaders are Grateful at Thanksgiving.
What could a leader be thankful for in a country and world that seems so divided, and a business environment that is the most volatile in recent years? Here are just a few reasons why.
First, some leaders, believe it or not, are thankful for the opportunity to lead people through the turmoil, divisiveness and volatility.They take pride in helping others acknowledge the realities and impact of these dynamics and lead them to positive outcomes that will make things better for everyone.
Second, many leaders are thankful for fiscal challenges facing their organizations.Yes, there are leaders who are truly thankful for the challenge of finding opportunities during difficult fiscal times.They focus on what they have, versus what they don't have.They help employees develop strategies that enable them to succeed in spite of having less fiscal resources for the work and they are thankful for employees who muster the courage to sustain a "can do" attitude in the midst of fiscally challenging times.
Third, leaders are thankful for colleagues who are there when they most need support. No one understands the joy and challenge of leadership like another leader. Leaders are thankful for colleagues who stand with them, inspire them and drive them to be better leaders.
Finally, leaders are thankful for their families. They are thankful for spouses, partners and significant others who love them unconditionally while hundreds of hours a year are spent outside the home helping and leading others. Leaders are thankful for homes that are a safe space and soft landing for decompressing from the fact that each and every day, leaders absorb organizational chaos and are required to replace it with calm, focused approaches that yield positive outcomes.
A critical leadership skill is to make a concerted effort to be thankful for something each day. When someone embraces this skill as part of a leadership practice, they appear to be happier and have richer lives.Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity for leaders to slow down, reflect, and be thankful for the many things that contribute to their ability to lead.
Adapted from The Citizen by Gwen Webber-McLeod
|