Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a celebration of gratitude, a virtue that has the power to transform our leadership, relationships, and communities. At its heart, Thanksgiving reminds us of a simple yet profound truth: none of us achieve success alone. For leaders, this is a critical realization. True leadership is built on recognizing and valuing the contributions of others, fostering a culture of appreciation, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.
Ralph Waldo Emerson captured this sentiment beautifully when he urged us to see the bigger picture of gratitude: “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” As leaders, this means looking beyond the obvious and appreciating every step of the journey, even the struggles that teach us resilience and growth.
The Meaning of Thanksgiving: Gratitude Woven Through History
The story of Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in resilience and collaboration. In 1621, the Pilgrims endured unimaginable hardship yet came together with the Wampanoag people to celebrate their first successful harvest. It wasn’t just a meal—it was an act of gratitude and unity, recognizing the support and shared effort that helped them survive and thrive.
During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. His leadership during this period reminds us that gratitude is not just for times of plenty. In his proclamation, Lincoln encouraged Americans to pause and give thanks, even amidst strife and division, because gratitude can be a unifying force, a spark of light in the darkest moments.
Henry David Thoreau’s reflection resonates with this sentiment: “I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite—only a sense of existence.” His words remind us that gratitude isn’t about extravagance or abundance—it’s about recognizing the value in what we already have, even in the simplest of moments.
Gratitude in Leadership: Recognizing Your Team
In leadership, gratitude is not just an act of kindness—it’s an act of necessity. No one becomes a great leader or achieves anything meaningful without the support of others. Behind every success story is a network of people who contributed their time, effort, and belief to make it possible.
Gratitude in leadership goes beyond polite acknowledgment. It involves fostering a culture that celebrates contributions and values efforts. Melody Beattie puts it perfectly: “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” For leaders, practicing gratitude isn’t just about the present—it’s about building bridges to a better future.
Yet, too often, leaders fall into the trap of thinking they’ve succeeded despite their teams rather than because of them. This mindset can alienate even the most loyal supporters. Henry Van Dyke’s words serve as a reminder of the deeper dynamics of gratitude: “Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling.” True leadership channels this impulse, transforming private acknowledgment into public appreciation.
David Whyte expands on this idea with profound insight: “Gratitude arises from paying attention, from being awake in the presence of everything that lives within and without us.” For leaders, paying attention means noticing not only the results but the dedication and effort that went into achieving them. It’s about being fully present and recognizing the human spirit at work.
Thanksgiving as a Model for Leadership
Thanksgiving offers a powerful framework for leadership. Just as families come together to express gratitude for the harvest, leaders can create spaces to celebrate achievements and honor the collective effort it takes to get there.
The story of the Pilgrims is a timeless example. Their survival wasn’t the result of isolation but of collaboration with the Wampanoag. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation reminds us that even in challenging times, gratitude can inspire hope and unity.
As William Blake once wrote, “The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” Leaders who embody gratitude reap not just success but also trust, loyalty, and a sense of shared purpose within their teams.
Making Gratitude a Leadership Practice
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a habit. Leaders can weave it into their daily interactions with a few intentional practices:
- Say Thank You Often: Don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt “thank you.” Make it a point to recognize contributions regularly.
- Celebrate Together: Milestones are about more than outcomes—they’re about the people who made them possible.
- Encourage Reflection: Create opportunities for your team to express what they’re grateful for, fostering a culture of appreciation.
- Lead by Example: Show gratitude through actions, whether it’s a personal note, a public acknowledgment, or simply taking time to listen.
- Find Gratitude in Challenges: Like Lincoln during the Civil War, look for reasons to be thankful even in adversity, and share those lessons with your team.
Gratitude as a Bridge in Divisive Times
This year has been tough for many, filled with challenges and uncertainty. Yet Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude can bridge divides and bring people together. No matter our differences, we share the privilege of living in a country where opportunities abound and where we can pursue our passions and bet on ourselves.
Michael Josephson highlights the essence of this beautifully: “The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies and serene lakes…What the world needs more of is people to appreciate and enjoy it.” Gratitude shifts our perspective, drawing attention away from what divides us and highlighting what unites us, creating a sense of connection and hope. We are fortunate to live in a time of relative safety, comfort, and prosperity—far beyond what our ancestors could have imagined. Unlike them, we have the privilege to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate the beauty and goodness that surround us.
A Hopeful Path Forward
As we gather this Thanksgiving, let’s pause to acknowledge the people, opportunities, and lessons that have shaped us. Let’s embrace gratitude not just for what we’ve achieved but for the journey itself.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Willie Nelson’s wisdom: “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Norman Vincent Peale echoed a similar truth, saying, “The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.” These words remind us of the incredible power of perspective. While it may sound simple, our thoughts truly shape our reality. What you choose to focus on becomes the lens through which you see your life—and often, it defines the path you take.
Gratitude isn’t just about the past—it’s about building a brighter future. By leading with gratitude, we can inspire those around us to do the same, creating a ripple effect that strengthens our workplaces, communities, and families. As Eckhart Tolle reminds us, “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”
This holiday season, let’s honor those who’ve supported us and helped us grow personally and professionally. Let’s commit to carrying the spirit of gratitude into every day, knowing that when we lead with appreciation, we create the kind of world we all want to live in—a world full of hope, connection, and possibility. Happy Thanksgiving!