      | |
 | |
« Newswire: 10 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2010 | Leading Blog Main Page | LeadershipNow 140: November 2009 Compilation » 11.26.09
Gratitude: The Habit of Noticing I related the following story from the book Growing the Distance, a few years ago, but it bears repeating: Arden Barker had planted a 50-acre field of wheat that was now golden-brown, very full, and ready for harvest. It was a sight to touch the heart of any farmer. When his Uncle Harry came to visit, Arden proudly took him out to look at the field of wheat. Harry looked around, put his hand over his eyes to peer into the distance, and fixed his gaze on a boulder that had been too large to move in the middle of the field. “Is that a stone on the hill?” he asked. He said nothing about the field of wheat. Arden was crushed by his lack of enthusiasm.Too often leaders, managers and parents think that it is crucial to their role to point out where people could improve—to be critical. Certainly, there is a time for that, but it happens all too often. Effective leaders will look for the positive and show gratitude and appreciation for it. People often look to others for direction and support and if it is not forthcoming it can kill the spirit and impede growth.
Posted by Michael McKinney at 12:19 AM
TrackBackTrackBack URL for this entry: |
 |
 Full site feed
|
Stumble It!
 Copyright ©1998-2010 LeadershipNow / M2 Communications All Rights Reserved All materials contained in http://www.LeadershipNow.com are protected by copyright and trademark laws and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever other than private, noncommercial viewing purposes. Derivative works and other unauthorized copying or use of stills, video footage, text or graphics is expressly prohibited. LeadershipNow is a trademark of M2 Communications. |
Comments
It's always better to see the positive before the areas for improvement. Who likes to have their faults picked out and their strong points ignored?
People tend to follow those who provide positive reinforcement.
Posted by: Ryan | November 26, 2009 10:08 AM
It amazing how even a little bit of gratitude and appreciation goes a long way, especially if you make sure you address the person by name as well. 'Michael, you've done a great job' carries even more genuine appreciation over simply saying 'You've done a great job'.
Posted by: Ann Buik | November 27, 2009 09:02 PM
Ryan is right. Recognition is a powerful tool to motivate and reinforce positive behaviors. My strategy is to 'Catch them doing right!' I agree with Ann to use their name, whenever you can.
Posted by: Enrico Varella | November 28, 2009 06:53 PM
Ryan, Ann and Enrico: Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts.
Posted by: Michael McKinney | December 2, 2009 03:50 PM
Such a relevant topic. It also relates to building trust. A visionary leader can see what is possible and things in others they often cannot.
Consistent and effective leadership that demonstrates gratitude is possible because the leader (person) is able to see something in others because it is also within themselves as well. Leadership gratitude roots within the leader.
This has been my experience.
Posted by: Phillip Tanzilo | December 8, 2009 12:43 PM