Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life and is a critical virtue for effective leadership. Gratitude nurtures humility, kindness, and connection, all essential traits for leaders. Fostering gratitude creates an environment of mutual respect, and makes team members feel valued and motivated.
Signs of gratitude include actively listening to others, expressing thanks, and showing empathy. The presence of gratitude in a team has neurological benefits, too. Studies suggest that practicing gratitude releases dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that enhance mood and reduce stress. This positivity can ripple through a team building resilience and productivity.
The golden mean of gratitude lies between entitlement and insincerity, where gratitude is expressed genuinely and respectfully without expecting more than one deserves or using praise as a tool for manipulation. In this balanced state, gratitude is honest and not excessive or self-serving, fostering a culture of respect and connection within teams.
Five ways to build gratitude:
Keep a Gratitude Journal:Â Regularly writing down things you're grateful for helps train your mind to notice the positive, even on challenging days. This practice builds resilience and perspective.
Reframe Challenges:Â Try to find something to appreciate within difficult situations. For instance, reflect on lessons learned or how challenges can build character and strengthen relationships.
Practice Mindful Presence:Â Being fully present with others fosters appreciation for the moment and the people around you. Listen actively, and notice small acts of kindness and effort from those around you.
Set Reminders for Gratitude: Use reminders—such as sticky notes or phone alerts—to pause and think about something or someone you’re grateful for during the day. These quick reminders encourage gratitude as a continuous habit.
Volunteer or Give Back:Â Serving others or participating in community work can boost gratitude for what you have and encourage empathy. Giving back allows you to connect with others and appreciate the impact you can make.
Building gratitude through these practices helps nurture a positive, appreciative mindset that translates into more compassionate and empathetic leadership.
Join the conversation in the comment section below.
How has a leader’s gratitude positively influenced you in a work setting?
What are some ways we can show gratitude to each other as a team?
How do you personally practice gratitude, and how has it impacted your daily life?
In what ways can expressing gratitude improve a team’s performance and morale?
How do you feel when you receive genuine appreciation compared to insincere praise?
Interesting that gratitude can actually reduce stress. Seems like a valuable way to improve performance mindset. Seen a lot of athletes in our community practicing this. Inspires me to keep working on it in my life.