The Power of Gratitude and Impactful Leadership in a Time of Transition
Harnessing the Power of Gratitude, Relationships, and Impactful Leadership in Times of Transition
🚀 DEVELOP: Unleashing Potential
This week we talk about new beginnings and why, as new team leaders, harnessing the power of gratitude, relationships, and impactful leadership, especially in times of transition, is critical. In short, leadership is about people, gratitude is pivotal, and relationships are valuable, but how do you apply these truths? How do you step up from understanding to acting before, during, and after your transition? How do you help others who may be transitioning from roles themselves?
Recently, I announced my departure from Kimberly-Clark (K-C) on LinkedIn and the response was nothing short of remarkable. From former colleagues to friends and mentors, the outpouring of support and well-wishes was a testament to the strong relationships we'd formed throughout the years. But more than the words of encouragement for my next endeavor, it was a stark reminder of the power of gratitude and the impact of leadership.
Many of you know my ethos: strong teams are the bedrock of success in any organization. But as I prepared to say goodbye to K-C after nine enriching years, I was confronted with an even deeper truth. Leadership isn't just about strategy, execution, or driving results. Yes, these are vital components, but the essence of leadership, the very heart of it, is about people.
The narrative of my time at K-C isn't complete without mentioning the teams I've led, the mentors I've learned from, and the colleagues I've collaborated with. Our shared memories, triumphs, and lessons are more than just footnotes in my career – they are its living, breathing soul.
Why is this important for you, the new team leader or manager?
Relationships are currency: In your journey as a leader, you'll discover that relationships are not just nice-to-haves, they're imperative. Building genuine relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual growth can yield dividends far beyond monetary value.
Gratitude cultivates a strong culture: An attitude of gratitude can shift your team's culture from one of mere transaction to one of shared mission and vision. Saying 'thank you' or acknowledging your team's effort can have a lasting positive effect.
Leadership impacts people: The effects of your leadership style extend beyond the office walls. As leaders, we have a profound impact on people's lives. This impact can be as simple as inspiring someone to reach their full potential or guiding them through difficult times.
My Call to Action for you:
Build Your Currency: Start by evaluating your relationships within your team and organization. Are there areas you could improve? Any connections you've been meaning to strengthen but haven't found the time? Commit to making a conscious effort in building and nurturing these relationships. Remember, it's not about what you can get, but what you can give. Cancel that useless meeting and make a connection today.
Cultivate Gratitude: Gratitude isn't just a feeling; it's a practice. Make it a part of your daily leadership routine. This could be as simple as sharing a quick 'thank you' email to your team for their hard work, or recognizing someone's efforts in a team meeting. Notice the difference it makes in your team culture.
Reflect on Your Impact: Take time each week to reflect on the impact you're having as a leader. Are you inspiring others? Are you helping your team members overcome challenges? If the answer is yes, keep up the good work! If not, it's never too late to adjust your approach.
Finally, never stop learning and growing. You've embarked on the exciting journey of leadership, a path that will undoubtedly be full of lessons and growth opportunities. If you ever need guidance, I'm here. And if you're interested in further developing your leadership skills, keep an eye out for my upcoming book, Big Things F@$t, where Marcus and I will delve deeper into these themes.
Here's to harnessing the power of gratitude, relationships, and impactful leadership.
