How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
What Gratitude Is and Why It Matters
Put simply, gratitude is the positive emotion felt when all those around you come to the realization that you genuinely care about them and want to do everything in your power to help them shine.
Said differently, when you go out of your way to make sure that everyone knows that they are seen, heard, appreciated, and valued, it’s a game-changer.
In fact, the best leadership science in the world tells us that gratitude plays the single-most important role in establishing long-lasting, high-performing, functional relationships.
But get this: The workplace is the least likely environment where people openly express their gratitude for one another, and most leaders are woefully lacking when it comes to this essential skill.
How Leaders of Light Create ‘Attitudes of Gratitude’
There are three specific ways that Leaders of Light can cultivate attitudes of gratitude.
1) Gratitude Lists
A gratitude list is nothing more than a daily recording of the things for which we are most grateful. These lists are usually three to five items long and consist of blessings such as family, colleagues, shelter, clothes, food, jobs, education, etc.
Although ridiculously simple, smart leaders understand that when they (and their people) adhere to the daily routine of generating gratitude lists, several powerful benefits transpire, not least of which include: more meaningful relationships, improved health, better mood, greater resilience, increased life satisfaction, and deeper sleep.
Sadly, most leaders don’t know about the power of gratitude lists, much less how to promote them throughout their organizations.
2) Gratitude Letters
n a nutshell, a gratitude letter is a heartfelt correspondence written to someone (a colleague, a client, a vendor, etc.) for the express purpose of articulating your appreciation for the ways that they have helped you. Gratitude letters can focus on events that have happened in the past or things that are transpiring right now in the present.
Make no mistake: Writing and personally delivering a letter of gratitude is the leader’s single most powerful gift they can give to someone when it comes to making them feel valued.
How cool is that?
Unfortunately, most leaders don’t know the formula for writing the perfect gratitude letter. If you come to the next Lead with Light training at the end of this month, we will teach it to you.
3) Receiving Compliments
Research consistently demonstrates that when leaders express gratitude to and for the people around them, it creates a virtuous cycle in that kindness begets kindness.
This means that the people to which you expressed your gratitude will most often return the sentiment by sharing what they most appreciate about you.
Now here’s the rub.
Most leaders aren’t comfortable in accepting heartfelt compliments and expressions of gratitude. And when they overtly brush them aside or casually discount them, the person who is opening their heart to you experiences a deep (and lasting) feeling of disappointment.
If you want to learn the art and science of accepting a compliment, come to the training!
Galvanizing Gratitude is an Essential Leadership Skill
Never forget: Gratitude is one of the most powerful leadership tools that exists. In fact, it plays the single most important role in establishing long-lasting, high-performing, functional relationships.
To be effective, you need to master this skill. This training is your opportunity.
In addition to the skill-building, we’ll also share with you the case studies of leaders who have become proficient at expressing their gratitude. And we’ll even help you to take stock of the things you are doing well and those that need some work.
We hope you’ll join us for the Oct. 29 training. It will be a game-changer. Click here to register.
See light. Be light. Spread Light.