How Gratitude Makes You a Better Leader

About 10 years ago, I led worship every now and then for a church whenever they had a youth retreat.

About a week after the retreat was over, I would always (and I mean always) receive a hand-written note from the Lead Pastor thanking me.

The message was brief, but the message wasn’t the point. The point was that: I was appreciated. The leader of the church saw what I did, and it mattered to him.

This is such a simple gesture, but something that is so impactful to your team.

Your gratitude means more than you think it does. 

When your volunteers see that they matter, they are much more motivated to come prepared. They know that they are making a difference. Also, over time, they become more loyal.

Most people don’t receive a lot of appreciation in their workplace or even at home. So, when you write a simple, hand-written note, you’re making a difference.

I asked my team this past Sunday what they are thankful for, since Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Guess what they said:

The two most common responses were that they are thankful for their family and thankful for their church.

Appreciation breeds appreciation.

It’s also really healthy for you to be thankful. There’s a reason why we’re reminded in Psalm 100 to: Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

It’s really hard to be thankful and angry at the same time. It’s really hard to be thankful and fearful at the same time.

Gratitude is like a bath for your brain. If you’re not thankful, you’ll begin to stink! You’ll begin to take things for granted. You’ll begin to get angry about little things. You’ll begin to become fearful about unimportant things.

Be grateful to God for where he has you. Bloom where you’re planted.

And while you’re at it, write a few thank you notes to your volunteers. By doing both, you’ll become a better leader.

Speaking of becoming a better leader, check out the WLA Member Benefits!

Stephen