Got Gratitude?

Like an aspiring Chef seeking some morsels of insights from great Chefs they know; in my early career, I aspired to do the same and took the time to sit down with authentic leaders making positive impacts to discover their recipes for successful leadership. 

One of those leaders shared these words of insight I will never forget, he said, “It is most often your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude, especially for a leader.” That insight has served me well through my leadership journey. 

Truth is, many leaders concern themselves with other’s attitudes, but quite often wane when it comes to focusing on their own. This should never be! A quick stroll through the internet will reveal all types of attitudes, some quite interesting, but none as important to leadership as this one that informs all others, and that is an attitude of gratitude. 

An attitude of gratitude, or thanksgiving if you will, is the most inspiring of all. It can transform the heart of a leader while transforming the hearts of those they lead. Thankful leaders are thoughtful leaders. An attitude of thanksgiving crushes the pain and power of thoughtlessness in any arena, and especially the leadership arena.

A thankful heart is a grateful heart, and grateful leaders become great leaders. As people say to veterans in various ways, “Thank you for your service,” as leaders, your challenge is to do the same for those you lead. Remember a thankful heart is a giving heart; perhaps that is why Thanksgiving always comes before Christmas.