78 OCTOBER 2024 | INTHEVUE.COM AS THE CRISP DAYS OF FALL set in, bringing with them the beauty of changing leaves and festive gatherings, it’s the perfect time to reflect on one key leadership quality - gratitude. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, a family, or all of the above, gratitude isn’t just pleasantry. It’s an important tool in your leadership arsenal, and yet, it’s so easy to overlook. Gratitude goes beyond a simple “thank you”. It has two sides: feeling gratitude and showing gratitude. If you’re not practicing both, you’re missing out on its full power. TWO SIDES OF GRATITUDE: FEELING IT AND SHOWING IT Gratitude has two major components. The first is feeling gratitude, which involves self-reflection and recognizing all the positive aspects of your life. Whether it’s your relationships, health, or opportunities, or what others have done for you, taking time to acknowledge what you’re grateful for can shift your mindset in a powerful way. Here in the modern world, especially in the United States, we often take for granted the endless freedoms and privileges we enjoy - things that are unparalleled in human history. But feeling gratitude is only half the equation. The second part is showing gratitude. If you don’t actively express your gratitude, people around you - whether employees, teammates, or family members - won’t know you appreciate their efforts. They may start to feel undervalued, which can weaken your relationships and diminish their willingness to collaborate or support your leadership. Think of any relationship where one party never expresses gratitude for the other; it will burn out pretty quickly. IF I FEEL GRATEFUL, ISN’T THAT ENOUGH? Here’s the truth: even if you’re brimming with gratitude inside, if you never express it, others won’t see it. You might think, “Well, I feel grateful, isn’t that enough?” No, it’s not. Expressing gratitude is what strengthens bonds and motivates people to continue working with you. When others feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stick around, contribute their best, and follow your lead. Even if the implementation feels a little forced or “robotic” at first, making the effort to show gratitude is necessary. Whether it’s a simple “thank you” after a project or a thoughtful note of appreciation, these actions go a long way. Gratitude must also be genuine. False gratitude done insincerely can be sniffed out rather easily and can leave quite a stench too. Be mindful to show true care. Over time, expressing gratitude becomes more natural, and the impact it has on your team or those around you will be profound. WHY LEADERS CAN’T AFFORD TO OVERLOOK GRATITUDE As a leader, it’s not just about what you accomplish - it’s about how you inspire others to join you on that journey. When you consistently show gratitude, you build trust, loyalty, and motivation within your team. People will go the extra mile for someone who values their work. They will stay committed because they know their efforts are noticed and appreciated. On the flip side, if you fail to express gratitude, you risk coming across as ungrateful, arrogant, or even cold. And in the long run, that can erode your team’s morale. They may begin to wonder if their hard work even matters, which leads to disengagement. Don’t let that happen. HOW TO IMPLEMENT A SUBTLE CHANGE AS A LEADER So, how can you implement both sides of gratitude in your leadership approach? It starts with a simple exercise. Set aside time every day or week to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Maybe it’s a team member who exceeded expectations, a client who trusted you with a big project, or even a mentor who gave you invaluable advice. Identify these moments and acknowledge them internally. Once you’ve got a handle on feeling grateful, move on to showing it. Ask yourself, “How can I express this gratitude in a meaningful way?” Whether it’s through a direct conversation, a handwritten note, or a public acknowledgment, make sure you’re taking action. Even small gestures can create a ripple effect, boosting morale and performance. ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS IN YOUR LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX Gratitude isn’t just a “feel-good” emotion - it’s a leadership tool that can transform the dynamics of your team or organization. When practiced regularly, it fosters an environment of mutual respect and trust. It strengthens relationships and opens the door for deeper collaboration. If you want to challenge yourself today, take a moment to reflect: What are you grateful for? Who in your life deserves to hear your appreciation? Then, make it a point to show that gratitude in a genu- ine and impactful way. You’ll be surprised at how much it can change the course of your day - and theirs. As we move deeper into fall, it’s the perfect time to pause and focus on gratitude as a key element of your leadership. Don’t let this season pass without recognizing those who make your journey possible. And remember - gratitude isn’t just something you feel; it’s something you must show. THE IMPORTANCE OF GRATITUDE AS A LEADER Forging LEADERS { b y R y a n C o n n }
