Gratitude is Good for Leadership

In 1651, some of the first English settlers in the United States and a group of Native Americans gathered to celebrate a successful harvest and to express their gratitude for God’s provision during that year. A couple centuries later, president Abraham Lincoln instituted the national holiday of thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. This week we will celebrate this tradition again here in the US. What is interesting is that among Christians, the tradition has spread to various parts of the world. These days, the late autumn holiday celebrating the harvest is even celebrated in some countries in the Southern hemisphere, where it is spring now, and harvest is still months away.

Biblical Leaders are Grateful Leaders

Did you know that gratitude is also a great leadership practice? Biblical leaders are grateful leaders, and grateful leaders are successful leaders. An attitude of gratitude changes us and helps us lead better. Just consider the following five truths about grateful Biblical leaders:

1. Grateful leaders know the source of their influence. Biblical leaders recognize that influence isn’t the result of their ego, but a gift from God entrusted to them for His glory. Because they are faithful (and grateful) stewards of the little God has given them, the Heavenly Father will entrust them with more and more influence.

2. Grateful leaders know that their people are their best asset. That is why true biblical leaders continuously invest and serve people with humility and love. The result is that their people will remain loyal and committed to their shared vision, resulting in enduring influence.

3. Grateful leaders are better servant leaders. Research has shown that people who are grateful are less likely to be jealous and know how to appreciate and celebrate other people’s success. That’s servant leadership at its best. Servant leaders don’t feel threatened, and are better equipped to empower and serve others.

4. Grateful leaders deal with less conflict. This is another fact supported by psychological research. Thankful people are less aggressive and therefore, less prone to get into conflict. Besides that, gratitude is contagious – and grateful people don’t have much reason to pick fights.

5. Grateful leaders deal less with internal obstacles. A wrong concept of self (low self-esteem) can make us our own greatest enemies. Grateful people, on the other hand, have a stronger sense of value, which empowers them to lead more effectively.

So, this week, 46 million turkeys will be roasted, baked, or deep fried. Countless potatoes will be mashed and sweet desserts prepared. For one day, families will get together and take time to be grateful for the bountiful blessings of the year. For those of us who are in leadership – influencers at any level, it will be an excellent opportunity to commit to a life of gratitude. It will do our leadership a lot of good.

So, whether your culture celebrates thanksgiving or not, take a moment this week to celebrate God’s goodness and be thankful for all that He has done. 

 And, of course, happy thanksgiving to all of you, from the Core Leadership team and the whole Global ILI Team.