Embracing Gratitude in the Workplace

Gratitude, I believe, is the single factor that most drives happiness. The glass may be half-empty, but do we take enough time to really appreciate the half-full portion? One of my favorite quotes is by Henry Matisse: “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”

Leaders, too, have an opportunity to make a difference. Relationships and how we treat each other matter. “What can I do in this moment to make this other person feel more capable and powerful?” asks leadership guru Jim Kouzes. “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives,” observes angel Clarence in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life.

In a recent Brené Brown podcast, Eric Mosley, author of Making Work Human: How Human-Centered Companies are Changing the Future of Work and the World, advocates for an overhaul of traditional HR practices with a focus on human connection, purpose, meaning, and gratitude.

Jim Collins, author of From Good to Great, argues that there is far more upside in opening relationships with trust rather than waiting for people to earn it. This people-oriented approach attracts the best people and fosters ongoing employee development.

You can read my full column on this topic in the New Hampshire Business Review: https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review/2021/01/29/#?article=3667619&dpg=1.

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!