Over the weekend I had the privilege of spending time with one of my granddaughters. It amazes me what someone who is 1 can teach me. I am very grateful for the time with her. As we approach the end of 2024, it’s natural for leaders to reflect on their progress, challenges, and achievements. Yet, amidst goal reviews and strategic planning, one critical leadership habit often gets overlooked: gratitude.
Gratitude is more than just polite acknowledgment—it’s a transformative practice that can reshape how we lead, engage with teams, and approach challenges. Research from Harvard Business Review and Forbes highlights that leaders who express gratitude foster higher employee morale, increased trust, and greater team cohesion. In fact, a 2024 study by the American Psychological Association found that gratitude in the workplace increases employee engagement by up to 21% and reduces burnout by nearly 15%.
So, why does gratitude matter, especially for leaders?
Why Gratitude is a Leadership Superpower
In leadership, the pressure to deliver results can narrow our focus to problems and deficiencies. While addressing challenges is essential, living solely in this mindset creates a culture of scarcity and dissatisfaction. Gratitude, by contrast, opens the door to abundance. It shifts focus to what is working, what we have achieved, and the relationships that make success possible.
1. Gratitude Enhances Decision-Making
Leaders who regularly practice gratitude experience increased clarity and perspective. By focusing on what’s going well, gratitude reduces fear-based decision-making and encourages strategic thinking rooted in optimism.
2. It Strengthens Relationships
Gratitude helps leaders recognize and appreciate their team’s efforts. This simple act not only boosts morale but also strengthens trust. Stephen M. R. Covey, in “The Speed of Trust”, explains how acknowledgment and appreciation build relational equity, which is the foundation of any high-performing team.
3. It Fuels Resilience
Gratitude helps leaders navigate challenges with a balanced mindset. By recognizing silver linings even during difficulties, leaders model resilience for their teams, inspiring confidence and determination.
Reflecting on 2024: Questions to Foster Gratitude
To truly embody gratitude, you must make space for intentional reflection. Use the following five questions to guide your thinking and spark actionable insights:
1. What was the most significant achievement for your team this year, and who contributed to its success?
Identifying who contributed to the success of the team provides insight into celebrating that and delegating more.
2. Which challenges or setbacks taught you the most, and what lessons are you grateful for? Think of principles you can take into 2025 as a result.
Every obstacle carries a learning opportunity. Identifying these lessons highlights the value of resilience and growth.
3. Who in your professional network supported or inspired you this year? How can you show appreciation?
Gratitude helps nurture these connections.
4. What aspects of your leadership have grown or improved this year?
Celebrating your personal growth fosters self-compassion and sets the stage for continued development.
5. Who and what are you grateful for from 2024?
Whatever you focus on expands it forces you to stop spinning plates for a moment.
Cultivating Gratitude in Leadership Practices
Here are three simple ways to make gratitude an integral part of your leadership style in the coming year:
1. Make Gratitude Visible
Start meetings by acknowledging a recent team success or individual effort. This sets a positive tone and reinforces a culture of recognition.
2. Keep a Gratitude Journal
As part of your daily or weekly routine, write down three things you’re grateful for. Studies show this practice improves mental health and enhances long-term satisfaction.
3. Express Gratitude Publicly and Personally
Whether it’s a handwritten note, a quick email, or a public shoutout during a team call, specific and sincere expressions of gratitude build lasting connections.
The Science Behind Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t just feel good; it’s backed by neuroscience. According to an article in Greater Good Magazine, practicing gratitude activates brain regions associated with dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment. This means that gratitude literally rewires the brain for positivity, making leaders more effective in high-pressure situations.
Moreover, workplace gratitude creates a ripple effect. A 2024 article in McKinsey Quarterly reveals that when leaders model gratitude, employees are 30% more likely to report higher job satisfaction and 40% more likely to feel valued.
Closing Thought
As my friend and mentor John C. Maxwell wisely says, “The way you view things is the way you do things.” Adopting gratitude as a lens for leadership transforms the way you approach challenges, build relationships, and create a legacy.
So, as you reflect on 2024, I challenge you to pause and ask yourself:
What am I grateful for?
How will I express this gratitude?
Thank you for tracking with me in 2024. Have a great Christmas.
This is the final blog for 2024 our next blog will be in 2025 and keep your eye out for our newsletter in January 2025
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
