How can we create more thankful leaders? Lately, I have been pondering how we can instill a new generation of grateful servant leaders ready to step up and step in without being prompted.
Just think of it as on-the-job-training from a new perspective for those who are ready to tackle tough issues and at the same time be grateful for life experiences and opportunities.
Here are just a few ways we can cultivate thankful leaders:
1. Mentors and Protégés – With helpful support and insight along the way, every leader should be grateful for guides and advocates. In the same way, every leader must cherish having a variety of protégés to enlighten and nurture in their journey as well.
2. Mistakes and Challenges – There is no better way to learn than from mistakes, mishaps, and blunders. Leaders are already doing on-the-job-training so being grateful for every faux pas makes for an even better leader.
3. Frenemies and Allies – What better way is there learn to be grateful for true friends, allies, and advocate than to be thankful for those in your corner and those even on the outside throwing rocks? Every leaders needs to define for him or herself about these rules of engagement to be truly appreciative of those standing in their corner.
4. Roadblocks and Craters – Without ever-present road hazards, leaders would not appreciate when there is a smooth roadway ahead and behind. Experiencing leadership hardships means being able to be thankful for the gaps in the road and the barricades that prevent passage. In this way, leaders learn to be more creative and critical thinkers.
5. Accolades and Praise – Dynamic leaders know that praise and accolades are only temporary indicators of success to celebrate. The most grateful leaders accept praise but move to a higher level of humility. They jump at the chance to find new ways of service in light of that praise. Hence, a true servant leader emerges.
With only a few short lessons, indifferent or nonchalant leaders could well be on their way to becoming the next generation of dynamic and thankful leaders that we so desperately need.
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
