Leading with Gratitude

Through our life it's important to know,

The people and events that have helped us grow.

These events have challenged us, sometimes taken us to task,

And to get through them, of leadership, we have often been asked.

They maybe simple, or entirely complex,

They maybe fleeting, or a lifetime of events.

Whatever the case there's a gift to be had,

Whether we view the situation as terrific or bad.


For being called to lead is a gift in itself,

We can lead through the challenge or put it on the back shelf.

Authenticity, courage, engagement and play,

These are things that can help us everyday.

Gratitude, conviction, honesty and trust,

These are more of the qualities, an absolute must.

For in leadership, the situations and people that challenge us most,

Are the one's that bring the greatest gifts, and ask us to get close -

"Close" to our awareness, strengths, heart and courage,

"Close" to hanging in there and "staying" even when discouraged.

And gratitude is that special gift that helps us step up to the test,

Lead with gratitude, appreciate the challenge, and give "it's hard" a rest.

The power is in thanking the challenge for coming into your life, - and then finding the learning.

And you can rest assured, that whatever the case,

it will be more powerful then churning.

Thank the people who are in your life, for all the gifts they bring,

No matter who they are to you, gratitude will make both spirits sing.

Be it a colleague or a confidante, a brother or a sister,

a parent or an in-law, a friend or a great listener,

a team mate or a direct report, a mentor or a "boss",

When you lead with gratitude, you will never be at a loss.

So when the going gets tough, work your stuff,

Discover what's true for you.

And when in doubt, step on out,

and lead with gratitude.


Anese Cavanaugh.