Leading Gratefully: From the Heart and For His Glory
In a world that often emphasizes success, power, and personal achievement, the concept of leadership can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet, as Christians, we are called to lead differently. Our leadership should not be marked by self-promotion or dominance, but by a spirit of humility, service, and above all, gratitude.
In essence, leading with gratitude is about recognizing the humanity in our colleagues and valuing their contributions. It’s a powerful tool that can transform how teams work together, enhance job satisfaction, and drive organizational success. By making gratitude a central part of leadership, we not only improve the workplace environment but also build a foundation for sustained growth and achievement.
The Bible consistently reminds us of the importance of gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." This command to be thankful in all situations is not just about maintaining a positive attitude; it's about recognizing the sovereignty of God and His presence in every aspect of our lives.
Gratitude in leadership starts with acknowledging that everything we have—our talents, opportunities, and even the people we lead—is a gift from God. When we lead with gratitude, we shift the focus from ourselves to the One who has entrusted us with the responsibility to lead. Here are some guides that can help you create a culture of appreciation at work.
Be Authentic: The foundation of genuine gratitude is sincerity. For gratitude to be impactful, it must come from a place of true appreciation. Take the time to acknowledge specific actions or accomplishments and express your thanks in a way that feels authentic to you.
Be Specific: General praise, such as "Good job," is less impactful than specific recognition. Highlight what the employee did well and why it mattered. For example, instead of saying, "Thanks for working hard," you might say, "I really appreciate the extra effort you put into the project last week. Your detailed analysis was instrumental in reaching our deadline.”
Encourage Peer Recognition: Gratitude shouldn’t come solely from the top down. Encourage team members to recognize and appreciate each other’s contributions and individual strengths. This can be facilitated through peer recognition programs, where employees can nominate their colleagues for their efforts and achievements.
Make It a Habit: Gratitude should be a regular part of leadership practices, not just an occasional gesture. Incorporate appreciation into your daily interactions and prayer. Whether it’s through a quick thank-you email, a note, or a shout-out during meetings, make it a point to regularly acknowledge the efforts of your team.
Remember, the goal is to build a culture where appreciation is woven into the fabric of the organization. We’re called as followers of Christ to foster an environment where positive reinforcement is the norm and that starts with us, in our hearts. Incorporate gratitude into your daily prayers and alone time with God, not only for your personal blessings but also for the people and opportunities God has placed in your leadership path. Ask God to help you lead with a thankful heart.
Leading with gratitude is not just a nice leadership tip; it's a biblical principle that aligns our hearts with God’s will. As we lead with a thankful heart, we become vessels of God’s grace, allowing His love and humility to flow through us and impact those we lead. May we all strive to lead with a spirit of gratitude, recognizing that every opportunity to lead is a gift from our Heavenly Father.
Jessica Simms is currently the Partner Success Specialist at Workmatters and local to Northwest Arkansas. Prior to her role at Workmatters, she was an Assistant Director of Communications for the Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas. At the U of A, she worked alongside the Razorback Softball, Volleyball, Gymnastics, and Women’s Tennis teams. Leading up to her time at Arkansas, she spent multiple years working in collegiate athletic programs, including the University of Louisiana-Monroe, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, and at Howard Payne University, where she completed her Master of Education degree in Sport and Wellness Leadership.
She is energized by the challenge of meeting new people and bringing harmony to groups. What she loves about her role at Workmatters is serving and cultivating the potential of their partners and participants. Those in her circle say she has a contagious enthusiasm and is optimistic, hopeful, and fun-loving.
She is a New Jersey native and mom of twin girls, Austin and Kendall. She loves to spend time outside and enjoys weekend trips and rollerblading with her family.