Do you know the incessant drumbeat of "More" at work? More clients, more profits, more investments--all very necessary for successful growth of any organization. But if we follow the drumbeat selflessly, our inner core, our spiritual center, becomes worn down. Negative attitudes start to settle in. It's "them" asking for more not "us." Neediness takes over. Ambition and dog-eat-dog responses emerge as the modus operandi. We hunker down to defend ourselves from "them" without ever realizing that we created our own mess by not caring for our own spirit. 

One powerful antidote for leaders and professionals is a regular dose of gratitude. When we pause and focus more on the good we have already, our entire outlook starts to shift. Yes, the same growth work has to be done, but rather than entering situations with "us" and "them" thinking, gratitude starts us from a place of hope and compassion. This causes people like customers and colleagues to be more positive in their response. It's the upward spiral of ANE leadership in action. Loyalty, support, balance, productivity, and fun are just a few of the results of shifting our balance through gratitude. And who wouldn't want more of them?

Let this week be your Gratitude Week. Take time to calm your neediness and reflect on the good around you and how far you have already come. As you talk with people, take time to let them know how grateful you are for their contributions. Don't let anyone leave without knowing that his or her job (and therefore his or her life) has significance and meaning in your eyes. No exceptions; especially at home at this time of year.

Stephen
Calm, Confident, Connected