When I first started my business, I had no idea how decisive and grateful leadership could be. Back then, I was juggling being a mom of two, running a small business from my kitchen table, and trying to keep up with life’s never-ending to-do list. I thought leadership was all about doing more, being tougher, and keeping everything perfectly together. But over time, I learned something much more powerful — gratitude changes everything.
Leading with gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It means seeing the people around you — your team, clients, and family — and taking a moment to thank them for being part of your journey. It’s about being present, even when things are busy. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels appreciated, respected, and heard. That’s what grateful leadership really means to me.
Kids and Leadership
I remember one day when my kids were both in after-school activities. Sitting in the car between hockey practice and tennis lessons, trying to answer client emails and check in with my virtual assistant. I felt rushed and stressed. But then I stopped and thought — she’s been helping me stay on track all week, even with last-minute changes. So, instead of just sending a task, I sent her a message saying, “Thank you for being so patient and supportive. You’re really helping me keep everything together right now.” Her reply? “You just made my day.” That small moment reminded me that gratitude doesn’t just lift others — it lifts you too.
That’s the heart of grateful leadership. It’s about leading with love, not just authority. When we say “thank you,” we remind people that they matter. When we show appreciation, we build trust. And when we create space for gratitude, we develop stronger teams that care not only about the work but also about each other.
5 Easy Steps to Practice
If you’re running a small business, especially in the early stages, you know how much every little thing counts. You might not have a big team or a huge budget, but you have something even better — the ability to lead with heart. Here are a few ways to start practicing grateful leadership right now:
Start your day with gratitude. Before you open your email, think about one person or thing you’re grateful for in your business. Maybe it’s your first customer, a supportive friend, or your own courage for starting.
Say thank you often and mean it. When your team or clients do something helpful, please take a moment to recognize it. A kind word or short note goes a long way.
Celebrate small wins. Don’t wait for significant milestones. Celebrate the tiny victories — finishing a project, getting a good review, or even making it through a tough week.
Listen with your heart. Sometimes, being a grateful leader means slowing down and really hearing what someone needs. When people feel listened to, they feel valued.
Reflect and reset. Each week, take a moment to reflect on what went well and who contributed to its success. This practice keeps you grounded and focused on the good, even when things get tough.
I’ve seen over and over that when gratitude becomes part of your leadership, everything shifts. Team members feel more motivated. Clients become more loyal. And you feel more fulfilled — because you’re not just running a business, you’re building a community.
Home, Office, Anywhere You Are
Even at home, I notice this. My kids are always watching me. When they see me thanking someone on a Zoom call or taking the time to celebrate small wins, they learn that leadership isn’t about being the boss—it’s about being kind, thoughtful, and appreciative. They’ve even started doing it too! My daughter recently told her soccer coach, “Thanks for helping me get better this week.” That’s when I knew grateful leadership isn’t just a business skill — it’s a life skill.
As we navigate the busy seasons of life and business, I encourage you to pause and find gratitude amidst it all. Be the leader who says “thank you.” Be the one who notices the effort others give. Because when you lead with gratitude, you inspire everyone around you to do the same.
Every message of thanks is a reminder that we’re all connected — through work, through purpose, and through the love we put into what we do. That’s the power of grateful leadership. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about leading with heart, even when things are uncertain.
Final Thoughts
And here’s the best part — gratitude grows. The more you give it, the more it comes back. You’ll see it in your business, your relationships, and even in yourself. You’ll start to feel lighter, more confident, and more focused on what truly matters: the people around you.
So today, take a deep breath. Think about who’s helping you build your dream. Then go tell them thank you. You’ll be amazed by how something so simple can bring so much joy and momentum to your business and your life.
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