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?
Leaders are an integral part of our society. In many elementary classrooms there is a boy or a girl line leader to lead the class to the restroom, lunch, and recess. There are even the leaders in the game Simon Says. In this game all who participate must repeat the action of the leader. As children get older leadership transforms into something more complex. Leaders don’t just lead by actions, they lead in their thoughts, ideas, and morals – but what will leadership in the future look like?
Aaaah… self-development. Most people want to improve and become smarter, healthier, and more successful… but it’s never easy. Often trials and struggles have beat us down and hinder our desire and ability to improve. If crippling personal issues are beating you down, you won’t be able to focus on the road ahead. Here are a few concrete steps to get your mind where it needs to be.
Once upon a time, there was a great sports hero. He was considered the best in his field. He won several world titles, defeated a bout with cancer, and then won some more world titles. He was famous, people respected him and he earned a lot of money. To give back to the community, he started a charitable foundation and he was admired by all.
If you visit a bowling alley and watch the bowlers, there are a few things you might see. There will probably be the big guy with a loud voice, throwing the ball as fast as he possibly can. There might be the trendy lady who doesn’t want to bend too much because her pants are too tight. You might see the five year old; who walks up to the line, bends over, and pushes the bowling ball.
As we passed the half year mark I reviewed my long-term and annual goals and realized that if I wanted to achieve some of my goals, I needed to really help others achieve their goals. I have been using the Ultimate Annual Success Plan this year and it has been enormously helpful in assisting me to achieve my goals. I decided that it was time to give back to my subscribers and help make the second half of this year – your best year ever.
“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.” An American science-fiction author, Robert A. Heinlein, is responsible for capturing the essence of execution in these eight simple words.
I usually refrain from posting articles about lessons learned from disasters, just out of respect for the events. This week though, a valuable leadership lesson was displayed to me and the words “put-out or shut-up” is what cycles through my mind.
