Years ago, I was blessed to be in a position to hold seminars with groups of educators designed to discuss and build leadership skills both informally and formally, internally – for the individual and externally for the school. As we discussed leadership skills and qualities, we would talk about new tools being put in our toolboxes as leaders. This year in Teach & Serve, I have decided to talk about many of those tools.
GRATITUDE
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” – Meister Eckhart
There could hardly be a more appropriate week in the United States to talk about gratitude as a tool in the box than Thanksgiving week. As North Americans gather to give thanks for all we have been given, encouraging ourselves as leaders to sharpen our skills and awareness of gratitude is fitting.
In my time as an administrator, I have found that “thank you” are the more powerful words I ever say. This is not an overstatement nor is it hyperbole. It is very true. People thrive when they are thanked for their work. They respond well when they know that their efforts are noticed.
On my first performance evaluation as principal which included a section for anecdotal commentary, someone wrote “I feel like I can’t turn around without him thanking me for picking up a piece of trash.” I was really gratified by the comment because, first, I am thankful when we all share in taking care of our campus and, second, because it was clear my gratitude resonated with this teacher.
Gratitude is not simply saying “thank you,” it is a mindset that realizes that everyone should be thanked for what they do. They should be praised.
“Thank you” is a wonderful prayer.
This is the perfect week to remember that.