Who Are You Thankful For?

This time of year we’re encouraged to think about the people and things in our lives that we’re grateful for.

I’d like to recommend another step: EXPRESSION of that gratitude.

I’m sure you can think of others who have helped you on your journey, who’ve made a difference in the way you think about yourself…and life.

They’ve believed in you. Encouraged you. Challenged you. Helped you see strengths in yourself you didn’t realize you had.

Have you taken time to let these folks know how much you appreciate them for their influence on your life?

Too often those moments pass without acknowledgement, and the other person has no idea of the positive effect their words or actions have had.

In my first career, I taught fourth grade. I still have notes from parents of my students, thanking me for the impact I had on their children during the year they were in my class. Now yellowed because they date back more decades than I care to reveal, these hand-written messages serve as a reminder of individual lives I’ve been privileged to touch.

If I had not received those notes, I would have had some blind spots about my true skills. I’m quite sure I’d have experienced more moments of self-doubt.

And of course, these doubts are not limited to the world of teachers. Business owners, executives, managers, and parents alike have times when they wonder, “What difference am I making?”

I’ve long since forgotten the Christmas and end-of-year gifts I received from my former students and their parents. But those hand-written letters of appreciation remain dear to my heart.

So here’s my ASK:

Who in your life does not yet know the positive impact they’ve had on you?

Make a list of these individuals. Figure out how to contact them if you’re no longer in touch.

Do not put this off. Or make excuses. Or think they don’t care.

Pick up the phone or write a letter and thank them. Let them know you’re grateful for the role they’ve played in your life.

You AND that person will be glad you did.

Learn More

Expressing gratitude and appreciation is one of the highest-impact communication skills leaders can develop. What if you could help leaders make this skill a habit they practice daily?  

Now you can, with GSL SkillBuilder!

This unique, self-paced program strengthens 36 character skills and 10 high-impact communication skills that every leader needs to be effective.

Watch this 2-minute video to learn how to give specific, positive feedback that can have a lasting impact on another person:

Contact me to find out how you can use GSL SkillBuilder in your leadership development programs.

About Meredith

Meredith Bell is co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders . Her company publishes assessment and development tools that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to high performance. Meredith is the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast .

You can get details about Meredith’s products, books, and podcast at GrowStrongLeaders.com.