Why Gratitude Makes Leaders More Effective

On Nov 24, 2023

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Recently I had one of those days. Although nothing catastrophic happened, there were a series of minor events that didn’t make for a good day. In turn — as a result of my mood — many of the daily road bumps felt worse than they really were. By the end of the day, I was exhausted and frustrated.

However, I didn’t want to spend what time I had left in the day feeling this crummy. It wasn’t fair to my family or me. The last thing I wanted was to be short with them or to lose sleep because I was tossing and turning. So, I took a few minutes for myself and focused on all the things that went right today. I also reflected on all the small things that made the day awesome.

And guess what? I didn’t just feel better. I felt amazing.

It may sound strange, but this is the power of gratitude. It’s one of the most effective ways to become not only a better leader but also a better person. But, if you are not convinced about this, let’s explain why great leaders should practice gratitude and how they can do so every day.

How gratitude makes you a better leader.

Before I discuss how gratitude can make you a better leader — I think everyone should be aware of why we know about the gratitude practice. The effects of gratitude were studied in the works of Robert Emmons, Ph.D., at the University of California, Davis. Emmons studied the impact of gratitude on physical health, psychological well-being, and on our relationships with others. Immersed in this work for over a decade, Emmons found that gratitude comes with the following benefits:

Physical

Stronger immune systems.
Not as bothered by aches and pains.
Lower blood pressure.
Exercise more and take better care of their health.
Sleep longer and feel more refreshed upon waking.

Psychological

Higher levels of positive emotions.
More alert, alive, and awake.
More joy, optimism, happiness, and pleasure.

Social

More helpful, generous, and compassionate.
More forgiving.
Feel less lonely and isolated and are more outgoing.

While those are all perks that anyone can enjoy, positive psychology is particularly useful for anyone in a leadership position. If we’re not taking care of ourselves mentally and physically, coping with the demands of being a leader will be more difficult.

Gratitude research from Emmons and Anjali Mishra discovered that expressing gratitude lowers stress. They also found that “gratitude enhances effortful goal striving.”

That’s well and good? But, what how can gratitude make you a better and more effective leader?

Nicole Lipkin writes that leaders should cultivate gratitude because it breeds employee engagement, more positive interactions, and builds resistance. What’s more, gratitude helps you acknowledge your accomplishments. Thankfulness encourages you to focus on your successes. You will not be consumed by the success or failures of your competitors, and you’ll be making the world better for those around you.

Gratitude, while allowing you to embrace your accomplishments, also keeps your ego in check. That’s because appreciation will enable you to realize that without assistance from others, you wouldn’t be as successful. Maybe it’s because you have a spouse who was your primary source of support and inspiration. A business partner provided you with the finances to launch your business. Or, thanks to their hard work and dedication, your business idea has become a reality because of your employees.

Also, when we’re thankful and optimistic, others gravitate towards us. Being approachable and encouraging is critical when networking and attracting top talent. A study from the University of Pennsylvania that shows when leaders are grateful to their employees, the employees are 50 percent more successful.

Furthermore, a study conducted by David DeSteno at Northwestern University found that being thankful or appreciative improves financial patience. And in the words of Gary Vaynerchuk, “It’s impossible not to stay motivated or get too down when you’re feeling grateful.”

How leaders can practice gratitude daily.

If you’re ready to tap into the power of gratitude, here are nine simple ways you can practice gratitude day in and out.

1. Schedule time every day to reflect with gratitude.

I get it. You have so much on your plate that I doubt practicing gratitude is a priority or at the top of your mind. However, if you block out a specific time to practice gratitude in your calendar, it will become a priority. And, eventually, recognition of what you have to be thankful for will turn into a habit.

For example, you can up your game of awareness by scheduling time to reflect with gratitude during a break. Consider a meditation-moment by closing your eyes and thinking about any pleasant surprises you’ve experienced so far. Imagine what life would be…