On this day of Thanksgiving in 2013, I’d like to introduce a new series called, Leadership Traits to Ponder. In this series there will be one post a week with thoughts, quotes, or stories that illustrate the given trait. The purpose of this series is to fuel the fire of thought in how the given trait could be more influential in your climb to greater leadership success. Each article will be short and easy to digest.
Let’s get started!
The first leadership trait to ponder, on this day, has to be Gratitude. The dictionary defines Gratitude as: the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. Below are some of my favorite quotes to help inspire and illustrate the quality of Gratitude. As you read these quotes on Gratitude, think about how you can exemplify this leadership trait in yourself.
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” ~Marcus Tullius Cicero
Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” ~Brian Tracy
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~Melody Beattie
A smart manager will establish a culture of gratitude. Expand the appreciative attitude to suppliers, vendors, delivery people, and of course, customers.” ~Harvey Mackay
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”” ~Melodie Beattie
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Money matters, but less than we think and not in the way we think. Family is important. So are friends. Envy is toxic. So is excessive thinking. Beaches are optional. Trust is not. Neither is gratitude.” ~Eric Weiner
Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” ~Gladys Bertha Stern
Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” ~Ernest Hemingway
You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach
I could not close without thanking you; my loyal readers who have followed me and supported me. I’m thankful for the many friends this venture has resulted in, and promise to deliver more value so you can be a greater leader.
What do you think about when you ponder Gratitude? Please share your thoughts below!
Also what day of the week would it be best to deliver this weekly series on a leadership trait to ponder? What day would really give the opportunity to really ponder the trait being discussed?
