How are you on a scale of 1 to 10 on showing gratitude to others? Go ahead, give yourself a number. 1 would be “why would I be grateful to those losers” and 10 would be “I’m so grateful, I’ve built a Hall of Fame for other people to show my gratitude.”
Now, take a minute and think about how you’ve shown gratitude to those leaders around you who have poured into you to make you better. When was the last time you connected just to say “thank you”?
Part of leadership is recognizing where we’ve come from and the people who have helped us along the way.
I think about a few key men in my life who have helped shape me over the years, one especially being my father. I wouldn’t be who I am, or be able to do what I do if it weren’t for his support throughout my life. His model of what it takes to work hard, to think outside the box, and to succeed has meant the world to me.
You have someone like that. Tell them thank you today.
But before you do, let me flip this around.
Have you ever led someone who you feel is destined to do great things? You know, as strange as this may sound, I have a few people in my life who I have led and helped grow that I am proud to say I helped them become who they are (even though the “help” I offered was minimal).
There are a few students I have had over the years who bring a smile to my face when I get to reconnect. And to them, I am grateful for the time they allowed me to pour into them, for the mistakes I made and they forgave me for, and for their continued excitement and encouragement.
So, take some time after you share your gratitude with one of the people who poured into you, and say thank you to someone who has allowed you to speak into their lives over the years.
Leadership doesn’t stop when your paths split along the way.
Find a way to connect today, and celebrate the leadership journey.
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Great encouragement here Wes, thanks! I learned from the person that led & taught me over the years to store up those little jewels of “thanks”. In fact I have a drawer that I keep cards or notes that I have received over the years. I don’t look at them often, but they are helpful reminders to offset angry emails or confrontational parents or even students who have seemingly abandoned their walk with Christ. Ministry is hard at times because lives are messy & can leave a lot of pain behind. Those times that you see students or family thrive are so sweet though & great boasters to keep moving forward.
I’ve done the same thing. I got a box of encouraging notes last October, and have started using that.
Thanks Wes , you are such a great witness to all of us.