Thanksgiving is upon us and many of us are getting ready to spend time with those we hold dear to us, the work-week will be suspended for many of us, and we will shop until we drop on Black Friday. It is easy to think about all the good times we will have, but before many of us leaders move into our Thanksgiving plans it is especially important we spend time with our followers and let them know just what we think of them. Before you run around the office and begin telling people off, please continue reading!
Leadership can at times be seen as commanding orders, such as “do this” or “do that.” It is important to take time and acknowledge those who really contribute to organizational success. Take a moment and walk through the halls of your organization and see all the work that is getting done. This is work you need done in order to do your job or to meet your deadlines. These are the people who make it all possible. It is easy to forget to acknowledge those who are doing so much and it is often much easier to complain about what is not getting done, but in reality they are making it all happen.
This Thanksgiving the message inside this article is the most simple leadership principle you can find. It is often the most forgotten and most ignored leadership principle. The most effective way to lead your organization and followers is by demonstrating the art of gratitude. The key is, say “thank you!” When you say, “thank you” you are allowing others to see you have appreciation for their contributions. Saying “thank you” encourages followers and can even contribute to increased productivity.
Take a moment and tell those around you, “THANK YOU!”
