We’re less than a week away from Thanksgiving and for many of us our thoughts are turning towards plans for celebrating with family and friends. It is also a good time to think about the many reasons we’re thankful in our managerial lives.
I went searching this week for some ideas that would embody this Season of Gratitude for managers and I ran into a quote, author unknown, that spoke to me. I hope it will be meaningful to you and a timely reminder that we are truly blessed to be in this profession.
§ “Having an appreciation for how amazing the people around you are leads to good places…productive fulfilling, peaceful places. So be happy for those who are making progress. Cheer for their victories. Be thankful for their blessings, openly. What goes around comes around, and sooner or later the people you are cheering for will start cheering for you.”
Amazing
I like this word because it reminds me of the wonder of it all! Consider that there are those who have the ultimate responsibility for the success of your organization who chose you to be their manager! Then consider there are those who report to you who chose you as the person they would “hitch their wagon” to, trusting that you have their best interests at heart, and wagering that following your leadership will give them the greatest chance of accomplishing their career and financial goals. To both of those groups, I simply say “amazing”!
Productive, Fulfilling, Peaceful Places
These 3 words conjure up for me what a good day is! I sleep well at night when my day was productive, fulfilling, and peaceful. It’s interesting that this quote points us to a formula to create more of these days. It’s having appreciation for how amazing the people around us are that leads to this experience. We don’t wait until we have a productive, fulfilling and peaceful day to show appreciation. Reverse the formula.
Progress, Victories, and Blessings
Gratitude involves focusing on others. Focus on their progress, victories, and blessings and be happy for them! Too often the pressures we feel as managers lead us to critical thinking about what and who needs to improve. We need balance in order to get to that productive, fulfilling, and peaceful place. Make no mistake, it can’t be sunny and 80 degrees all the time. But we must be good at cheerleading if we want to be effective at growing people. Find things to celebrate and appreciate about your people.
Transformational Excercise
Make a list of all of your people and beside each name write down a specific progress, victory, or blessing. Now let them know. Experience a productive, fulfilling, and peaceful place.
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks to all of you who read this blog and share your stories with me. Know that I celebrate your progress, victories, and blessings!