When I was growing up, Thanksgiving always carried extra meaning for me. I was born in November, and my family decided to celebrate my birthday on Thanksgiving—maybe because there were so many of us in the house that no one could keep track of the exact day! It became a tradition, and our home was always full of laughter, singing around the piano (at least until the football game started), and people. Many people. Friends, family, neighbors, and the many people who were living with us at the time—there was always room for one more.
When I was old enough to drive, I delivered some meals to those who didn’t have food for the holiday. It was humbling and shaped how I think about gratitude and giving back. Those moments taught me how fortunate I was and inspired me to try to share that fortune with others.
Gratitude is at the heart of leadership. It is easy to get lost in the noise of goals, challenges, and decisions, but gratitude helps us pause and reflect on what truly matters. It reminds us to appreciate our team, our family, and the opportunities we have.
why gratitude matters in leadership
As leaders, we often focus on solving problems. We’re wired to see what’s missing, what could go wrong, and what needs improvement. Gratitude shifts that perspective. It helps us recognize what’s going right. It doesn’t mean ignoring challenges, but it keeps us grounded in what’s working.
Take a moment this week to think about your team. Who helped you navigate a tough situation? Who brought a fresh idea to the table? Acknowledging these contributions builds trust and connection.
making room for others
My family always believed in making room for one more at the table. That lesson is just as important in leadership. Making room for others means inviting them to share their ideas, their strengths, and their perspectives. It’s about seeing what others bring to the table, even when it’s different from what we might expect.
The best leaders create an environment where everyone feels valued. They don’t just say “thank you”; they show it by actively listening, giving credit, and encouraging others to grow.
reflection and action
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on your own leadership. Who has supported you along the way? How can you support others? Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s in the note you write to a colleague, the time you take to mentor someone, and the way you acknowledge effort even when outcomes don’t go as planned.
Leadership is about more than decisions or strategies. It’s about the connections we build and the gratitude we show along the way.
final thoughts
When I think back to those Thanksgiving celebrations, what stays with me isn’t the food or the games but the people. The way they showed up for each other. The way they made space for anyone who needed it. Those lessons shaped how I try to lead today—with gratitude, connection, and an open seat at the table.
quotes on gratitude and leadership
This Thanksgiving, let gratitude lead the way. It might just be the best gift you give as a leader.
image credit: megan watson
