Gratitude: The CEO's Secret Weapon
When you think about what it takes to run a successful business, gratitude might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Strategy, hard work, leadership—sure. But gratitude? That’s something we talk about around Thanksgiving, not in boardrooms, right? Wrong. As a CEO, I’ve come to realize that gratitude isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s a core principle that shapes how I lead, how I work, and how I connect with the people around me. And it’s not just about saying “thank you” (although that’s important too). It’s about recognizing the opportunities, the lessons, and the people that make this journey possible.
Gratitude Changes Perspective
In business, challenges are inevitable. Deals fall through, markets shift, competition gets tougher. Early in my career, I’d dwell on the negatives, caught up in what didn’t go right. But over time, I learned that shifting my focus to what I do have changes everything.
Instead of fixating on a missed opportunity, I think about what I’ve learned. Instead of stressing over obstacles, I consider the team, tools, and resources I have to tackle them. This shift doesn’t just make tough moments easier—it fuels the energy I need to keep moving forward.
Gratitude Builds Stronger Teams
Let me tell you something about people: they notice when you genuinely appreciate them. As a leader, I see it as my responsibility to make sure my team feels valued. That could be as simple as acknowledging their hard work in a meeting or as big as creating opportunities for growth.
When people feel seen and appreciated, they’re more motivated, more creative, and more committed to the mission. Gratitude isn’t just an attitude; it’s a culture—and one that pays dividends in morale and results.
Gratitude Keeps You Grounded
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, especially in leadership. There’s always a new goal, a new milestone, a new challenge to tackle. But taking a moment to pause and reflect on what you’re thankful for keeps you grounded.
For me, that might mean appreciating the trust my clients place in me, the dedication my team brings to the table, or the simple fact that I get to do work I love every day. Gratitude reminds me why I started and keeps me focused on what truly matters.
The Practice of Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t just happen—you have to practice it. Here are a few things I do to make gratitude part of my routine:
Morning reflection: Before diving into the day, I think about one thing I’m grateful for. It’s a quick mindset shift that sets a positive tone.
Team check-ins: I make a point to call out wins and contributions in team meetings. It’s a small effort that makes a big impact.
Client appreciation: A handwritten note, a thoughtful email, or even just a genuine conversation can go a long way in showing clients they’re valued.
These aren’t groundbreaking ideas, but they work. And over time, they create a ripple effect that impacts not just me but everyone I work with.
The Bottom Line
Gratitude isn’t soft or sentimental—it’s strategic. It helps you navigate challenges, build stronger relationships, and stay focused on what matters most. And the best part? It’s available to all of us. So, here’s my challenge to you: take a moment today to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Write it down. Next week when you go back to the hustle and grind, share it with your team. Let it guide how you show up as a leader.
