Humility and Gratitude

by John Keyser

In a talk I heard last week, I was struck by the reminder of the need to hold humility and gratitude close to our hearts.

I believe the qualities of humility and gratitude are fundamental to help us be more effective leaders. They are the trademarks of servant leaders, shepherd leaders.

Humility opens the doors for conversations with others, regardless of their title or position. It enables us to see the value in seeking ideas and feedback. Humility also allows us to be receptive and open-minded.

Gratitude inspires us to thank and affirm our team members and others with whom we work. Leadership is how we help others feel about themselves. And this is critically important given a recent study that reveals 93 percent of people in the workforce feel underappreciated.

Both humility and gratitude cultivate an atmosphere of respect. Respect modeled by the leader sets the tone for great teamwork and a winning culture.

May we all be inspired this holiday season as we express our gratitude to one another.