Choose the freedom of thankfulness over the headwind of ingratitude. “Un” ruins leaders. Ungrateful leaders become unkind, unhelpful, and unconnected.
Ungratefulness is a buffeting headwind.
The seven powers of gratitude:
#1. Gratitude energizes those who receive it and frees those who express it.
#2. Gratitude invites a painful past to expand vision and mission. But ungratefulness frowns at the future.
#3. Gratitude beats back fear and worry.
#4. Gratitude absorbs frustration.
#5. Gratitude deflates arrogance.
#6. Gratitude fuels creativity.
#7, Gratitude expands influence.
Gratitude:
- Soars; bitterness binds.
- Celebrates; ungratefulness complains.
- Connects; fear retreats.
- Invites; ungratefulness repels.
People run toward gratefulness and away from ingratitude.
Four gratitude practices:
Think of gratitude as a behavior not a feeling. Practice it; don’t wait to feel it.
- Before composing an email think of one thing you appreciate about the recipient.
- Before meetings write one thing you respect about each person around the table.
- Avoid the “but” after noticing something you appreciate. Give yourself permission to let gratitude stand on its own.
- Schedule brief gratitude walks three times a week.
What are the powers of gratitude? The dangers of ungratefulness?
How might leaders practice gratitude?