Exiting principalship and having some 'time out' from leading a large school, has given
me the opportunity to be a lot more present than I have ever been in my life! The need to
slow down has created opportunities to see and learn new things in new ways.
It has also provided me with the time to think about where I am going and what pathways
are available. I am loving the opportunity to do this and making the most of it. One area
that I have been thinking and reading about over the last couple of weeks is gratitude.
I’ve come to realize gratitude is one of the most important values that is available to us. In
me the opportunity to be a lot more present than I have ever been in my life! The need to
slow down has created opportunities to see and learn new things in new ways.
It has also provided me with the time to think about where I am going and what pathways
are available. I am loving the opportunity to do this and making the most of it. One area
that I have been thinking and reading about over the last couple of weeks is gratitude.
I’ve come to realize gratitude is one of the most important values that is available to us. In
positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater
happiness.
Why? Gratitude allows us to feel more positive emotions, make the most of experiences,
happiness.
Why? Gratitude allows us to feel more positive emotions, make the most of experiences,
improve our health, deal with setbacks, develop strong relationships with others and identify
what is currently great in our lives.
If gratitude and appreciation has such an impact on our lives, why do people not practice it
what is currently great in our lives.
If gratitude and appreciation has such an impact on our lives, why do people not practice it
more? If I use myself as an example, I think it comes down to that important phrase I mentioned
above - being present which often stops when we are time poor and life gets busy and hectic.
Does this resonate with you?
So, how are you as a leader ensuring you are living and leading with appreciation and
above - being present which often stops when we are time poor and life gets busy and hectic.
Does this resonate with you?
So, how are you as a leader ensuring you are living and leading with appreciation and
gratitude?
Here are some strategies that I use or have used in the past that might be worth considering.
Making gratefulness and appreciation a daily ritual not just a practice that you pick up every now and then especially when life is going your way and according to plan.
As part of your meeting practices and protocols, give your team the opportunity to identify one thing they are grateful for either in a work or personal context.
Everyday I create a ‘top 10’ list of things I am grateful for. These can be simple things such as
Here are some strategies that I use or have used in the past that might be worth considering.
Making gratefulness and appreciation a daily ritual not just a practice that you pick up every now and then especially when life is going your way and according to plan.
As part of your meeting practices and protocols, give your team the opportunity to identify one thing they are grateful for either in a work or personal context.
Everyday I create a ‘top 10’ list of things I am grateful for. These can be simple things such as
the ability to exercise, a good flat white coffee on the way to work.
Let people know you are grateful! Tell them why. For example: I am grateful that you prioritised
time to catch up with me last week. This can be done in person, by text, by email or by writing
them a card or note. The key to this practice though is not 'over cooking' it. Keep genuine and
authentic.
Keep a journal or notebook to record things you are grateful for. I often like to read back over
Let people know you are grateful! Tell them why. For example: I am grateful that you prioritised
time to catch up with me last week. This can be done in person, by text, by email or by writing
them a card or note. The key to this practice though is not 'over cooking' it. Keep genuine and
authentic.
Keep a journal or notebook to record things you are grateful for. I often like to read back over
these things to see if there are any patterns occurring over time. Embracing and practising
gratitude is a life changer and definitely leads to more joy and happiness in our lives.
What are your thoughts?
gratitude is a life changer and definitely leads to more joy and happiness in our lives.
What are your thoughts?
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