In the Goodlet house, there is a Thanksgiving decoration that comes out every year. It is a small wooden turkey with painted popsicle sticks for feathers. It is crooked. It is chipped. And it is our favorite.
My son Mason made it when he was in preschool. On the back, his teacher wrote down the things he said he was thankful for: God making him. His pool. His hot pool (the hot tub). Dragons. And his “friend who is gonna have a baby.” His aunt was pregnant at the time, and I love how excited he was for the new baby’s arrival.
Every year when we bring out that little turkey, I laugh because the list is sweet and ever so honest. The first thing on his list was simple. God making him. That one tugs at my heart every time. Mason did not start with toys or snacks or his favorite superhero. He started with his own life. He recognized himself as a gift, and everything else came after that. Even dragons.
Mason’s gratitude came from a place of feeling seen, valued, and known. I often wonder how much of our own gratitude comes from a similar place. That little turkey serves as a reminder that being seen shapes how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we see the world.
Leadership works the same way. People we lead want to feel like more than a paycheck or a title on an org chart. They want to know that someone sees their worth, beyond what they produce. They want to be recognized as people with stories, ideas, fears, talents, and dreams. When leaders approach their people with gratitude, they communicate value. They say, “I see you. I appreciate you. You matter here.”
If you want to see your people step into their full potential, gratitude has that kind of power. It softens tension and strengthens strained relationships. When leaders practice gratitude, they help people feel seen and valued. That, in turn, shapes the way those people see themselves, others, and the world.
So, this month, take a moment to really see the people around you. Listen to them. Notice something good in them. Thank someone for who they are, not just for what they do. It is a simple act, but simple acts often have the biggest impact.
And remember, you are seen and valued, too.
Tom
#leadershipdevelopment #thankful #gratitiude