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?
About Todd Nielsen
Gratitude and humility will keep you grounded to the most important things in work and life, and connected to the most important people for the most reasons that truly matter.
Todd,
Always a great read!
You have a unique perspective of leadership today.
Gio
Alexander Kjerulf shares a great little exercise that reinforces your sentiment beautifully here:
http://positivesharing.com/2013/12/steal-our-best-exercise-the-poncho/
It is a pity we don’t say thank you far more often
James
Todd, in my decades of managing people, I have felt inspiration from your posts especially this one about Gratitude. Thank you for your presence and this opportunity.
Thank you so much Chris!
Todd, what a great way to start this series excellent job!.
I am grateful for so many things in my life, because I focus on the opportunities of learning from all my experiences. In 2013 I have received one of the greatest gift a human being could receive, which is the gift of knowledge, yes knowledge, I have come to experience the gift of incredible wonderful people like yourself with so much intellectual talent, sharing their knowledge through books, blogs, podcast, radio talks etc.
what a contribution to the world, what a legacy!. For this I am grateful for having the privilege to somehow cross path with all of you, and hope to have the opportunity to get to meet most of you or be able to somehow collaborate in any way with many of you in 2014!.
Thank you so much for making a difference!.
Hi Todd, looking forward to this series. Gratitude makes me think of how blessed I am in spite of all the things that I am forced to do without. It also makes me think about the one from whom all the blessings come from. Great quotes too!
Todd ~ that was a barnstorming way to kick off the new series and a brilliant place to start! I was encouraged to feel and show gratitude at an early age by parents who had little and gave much! There’s was an example I have sought to follow all of my life … and I hope I mostly get that right. I also believe I am blessed … with my family, my brother and sisters, and the many excellent friends and colleagues I have connected with over the years.
I am also enriched and inspired by that interaction and I am truly grateful for this on today of all days!
I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
It is obvious your parents brought you up well, because you are definitely one that gives a lot. I value our friendship and feel blessed to know you. I am thrilled that you found this post and the idea of the series to be of great value.
No better trait to start with than with gratitude, and especially on Thanksgiving!
When I ponder gratitude, I am in awe of all of the blessings around us. And everything I think of is not a physical good, but instead friends, values, and opportunities.
So true Skip. Gratitude is something I fail to ponder during the busy and frustrating times. We have so much to be grateful for. There is not enough paper in the world to list all we have to b grateful for.
Todd, what a wonderful way to start the series off. Thank you for helping me (and others) kindle the fire within us. I especially find the following quote very powerful… “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
That quote is also one of my favorites and especially poignant, I think, for the both of us. You have been especially helpful in rekindling my spirit with your emails, during some tough times this year and I truly appreciate you, your family, and all you do to lift people up. Together we will change the world!