Nov 26, 2009
Thanksgiving is, indeed, one of my favorite
holidays. Though celebrated this week in the States, many
other countries have a similar holiday with essentially the same
purpose: give us a chance to reflect on what we're thankful
for.
The People and Projects Podcast is all about
helping you to deliver projects and lead teams. So, it's worth
asking: how important is being thankful to helping you lead and
deliver?
It's critical. In fact, let's test that out for a
second....
Think back through bosses you've worked for in the
past. Or consider teachers you've had over the years, and
perhaps even your parents. Out of that list, who jumps out as
someone who was stingy, so to speak, with their gratitude towards
you? Whether in word or action, they just didn't dish out
appreciation very often.
Can you think of someone? Many people can. What
consequences come to mind that resulted from that lack of
gratitude?
Some two years ago I was talking with a CEO about how I like to
send Thank You cards to people. He actively tried to convince me
that such expressions of gratitude--especially in writing--were a
waste of time, much like "holding hands and singing." He said,
"People don't need a boss telling them 'Thank You'. Rather, results
speak for themselves."
Wow. I can only imagine what he's like to work for!
Go back to your list. Get that ogre out of your
mind and replace them with someone who did a great job of making
you feel appreciated. Once again, whether in word or deed or both,
they oozed with gratitude.
What difference did they make?
In my experience, those leaders are able to accomplish so
much more. Their teams are more engaged. They can be more
innovative because they are working less out of fear and more out
of self-motivation. Expressing gratitude and recognizing others for
the work they do is a clear mandate for anyone who desires to
deliver projects and lead teams.
Maybe it's the economy... Maybe it's the growing discontent among
many that our political leaders are out of touch. There's no
shortage of things to be upset about.
So here's what I've found. Being thankful is a
choice. It's something we need to proactively pursue to
avoid being sucked into the whirlpool of negativity and entitlement
that surrounds us.
In recent years my company has sponsored a gratitude project called
the World of Thanks initiative. Each year people
from around the world write in to answer a very simple question:
"What are you thankful for?"
Though the answers vary widely, I always get great feedback from
people about how they find it refreshing to take a moment to
participate in the project as well as read the results from young
and old alike.
As many of you know, this year we opened it up for people
to call in with their message so we could include their thoughts in
this podcast. For all that called in or just replied to
the invitations with messages on LinkedIn, Facebook, or e-mail,
thank you for participating.
And now, it is my pleasure to share with you the voices of
your fellow podcast listeners as they answer the question, "What
are you thankful for?"
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!