"Today's leadership issue isn't absenteeism, it's presenteeism! People show up, but they're not really showing up," said the speaker at ANE's breakfast event.

"It's not simply expensive to business to have all this mental numbness. Think about the cost to souls of being in a place where people just show up.

"How do we engage them? Is it really our job?

"The attitude of gratitude is devastatingly effective. As I transitioned into my new leadership job, I simply thanked people for what they're currently doing and how they will help me come on board.

"The results are absolutely stunning. After a few months, they behave like we've been together for a year. One person said she can tell when I'm around because everyone starts to smile."

Choosing thankfulness shows great leadership. There's an abundance of reasons to complain about things and set a negative spiritual direction. Rooting our conversations in thanksgiving shows people we know it's "the set of the soul" that counts most. They respond by engaging all the faculties at their spiritual cores.

That's exactly what the Pilgrims did. Happy Thanksgiving!

Stephen
ANE = Calm, Confident, Connected, Courageous Leadership    

PS: ANE's 2013 Membership Campaign is coming up.