The Power of Gratitude in Leadership
Gratitude is a powerful force. As someone with ADHD, I know firsthand how easy it can get caught up in the constant swirl of thoughts, ideas, and impulses. It's far too easy to focus on what's not working, what needs to be fixed, what's frustrating or challenging. But consciously practicing gratitude can act as an anchor, grounding us in what's good and reminding us of the progress we've made.
This is especially important in leadership. When you're at the helm of a team, organisation or project, the temptation is to zero in on problems to solve and areas to improve. After all, that's a big part of the job. But great leaders know that one of their most important roles is to set the emotional tone and keep morale and motivation high. Embodying and expressing gratitude is key to this.
Think about the leaders you've been most inspired by. Chances are, they made you feel seen, valued and appreciated. They likely took the time to acknowledge your efforts, celebrate your wins, and believe in your potential even when you doubted yourself. They understood that a few sincere words of thanks can provide fuel to keep going in the face of setbacks and challenges.
Research bears this out. Studies have found that gratitude can boost motivation, increase mental strength, improve self-care, and foster resilience. For those of us with ADHD, tapping into the power of gratitude can be a game-changer. It can help us reframe negative situations, disrupt spirals of self-criticism, and find the good even on the toughest days.
So as a leader, how can you harness the power of gratitude? It starts with developing your own gratitude practice. This could be as simple as jotting down three things you're grateful for each morning, or taking a few minutes to reflect on the positive events of the day before bed. The more you exercise your gratitude muscle, the more natural it will become to spot opportunities to appreciate others.
Next, make it a habit to verbally express gratitude to your team. Be specific about what you value in each person, and try to notice and acknowledge small wins, not just big achievements. Share how their efforts have made a positive impact, and let them know that you see their potential. Encouragement is oxygen to the soul, as the saying goes.
But beyond the interpersonal effects, an attitude of gratitude can also boost your own resilience and mental wellbeing as a leader. When you're dealing with changing circumstances, unforeseen roadblocks, and the weight of responsibility, taking a step back to recalibrate and remember what you're grateful for is an instant perspective-shifter. It gets you out of tunnel-vision problem-solving mode and reminds you of the bigger picture.
This isn't about glossing over difficulties with blind optimism. It's about intentionally broadening your focus to also give weight to the good and cultivating a mindset of abundance and possibility. It's about using gratitude as a tool to stay grounded, energized and motivated to keep learning and growing as a leader.
So whether you're heading up a big organization or a small team, a multinational company or a scrappy startup, don't forget the power you hold to influence the emotional landscape and the energy of those around you. Make gratitude your leadership superpower. It won't just shift the way your team relates to you and their work - it will transform your own experience of leading in challenging times. Try it and see.