How to Lead with Gratitude: 3 Powerful Ways

Can y’all believe it? Thanksgiving is just around the corner! If you’re anything like me, you’re probably gearing up for the ultimate food marathon—pumpkin pie, turkey, and all the fixins’. But let’s pause for a second and reflect:

What does Thanksgiving really mean, especially for us as leaders?

Sure, it’s about family, friends, and a well-earned break from the grind. But this holiday also carries a powerful leadership lesson rooted in gratitude.

A Bit of Thanksgiving History

Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane. Thanksgiving isn’t just a Hallmark holiday—its roots run deep. Tradition takes us all the way back to the 1620s, but it was President Abraham Lincoln who made it official.

In 1863, Honest Abe declared the last Thursday of November a national day of giving thanks.

Now, here’s what’s wild: This happened in the middle of the Civil War—a time when our country was divided, weary, and struggling to find common ground. Yet even then, Lincoln believed there was still so much to be thankful for.

That’s a mic-drop leadership moment, y’all. Lincoln didn’t let the chaos of the times steal his perspective. Instead, he focused on gratitude as a unifying force.

Gratitude Is a Choice, Not a Circumstance

Leadership expert John Maxwell puts it perfectly: “Gratitude doesn’t come from our circumstances; it comes from how we choose to see the world. Quite simply, gratitude comes from your heart.”

Isn’t that the truth? As leaders, we often get so caught up in the pressures of deadlines, tough conversations, and high-stakes decisions that we forget to pause and be grateful. But here’s the thing: Gratitude doesn’t just benefit us personally—it transforms how we lead others.

When you show gratitude to your team, you build trust. When you practice gratitude in your daily life, you create resilience. And when you choose gratitude over grumbling, you inspire others to do the same.

So, this Thanksgiving, let’s not stop at carving the turkey—let’s carve out time to reflect on how we can lead with gratitude, not just this week but every day.

How to Lead with Gratitude (Thanksgiving and Beyond)

Here are three simple yet powerful ways to incorporate gratitude into your leadership style:

1. Show Appreciation - Start with 'Thank You'

It’s easy to get caught up in what’s not going right—a missed deadline, a failed project, or an unproductive meeting. But what if we started every interaction by acknowledging what is going right?

Take time to genuinely thank your team members, peers, or even your boss for their efforts. A quick “Thank you for your hard work on this project” or “I appreciate your creativity in solving this problem” goes a long way. When people feel valued, they’re more motivated to contribute their best.

2. Lead with Optimism - Shift Your Perspective

Abraham Lincoln found gratitude in the middle of a war. That’s a perspective shift if I’ve ever seen one! As leaders, we often face our own “wars”—tight budgets, tricky clients, or team conflicts.

Instead of dwelling on the difficulties, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can be thankful for in this situation? Maybe the conflict is an opportunity for growth. Maybe the tight deadline sparked a brilliant idea. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff; it’s about choosing to focus on the good stuff.

3. Model Generosity - Create a Culture of Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. To truly make an impact, it needs to become part of your leadership DNA—and your team’s culture.

Here’s a fun idea: Start meetings with a gratitude roundtable. Ask everyone to share one thing they’re thankful for, work-related or not. This simple practice shifts the tone of the meeting and strengthens team connections.

Another way? Celebrate wins, big and small. Did someone exceed a sales goal? Land a new client? Show up early to help out? Recognize it publicly. People thrive when they feel seen and appreciated.

My Thanksgiving Gratitude

Before I wrap this up, I want to take a moment to say how grateful I am for you. Yes, you—the one reading this. Your support, encouragement, and commitment to growing as a leader inspire me every single day.

Remember, leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with a heart full of gratitude, ready to listen, learn, and serve.

From my heart to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! May your turkey be tender, your pie perfectly spiced, and your gratitude overflowing.

I’m cheering 📣 for you!

Listen to the Podcast here

❤️Please forward this article and share these lessons… because that’s what leaders do!

P.S. Are you ready to level up your leadership? Don’t wait! Schedule your Goals and Strategy Planning session today. Let’s take your success to new heights.

Previous
Previous

How to Communicate With Empathy

Next
Next

How to Speak Up Authentically and Build Trust