Thanksgiving: Gratitude for Leaders
As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the incredible work you’ve done for your teams and organizations this year. Leadership can be lonely, and often we don’t hear words of thanks. So, today I WANT TO DO JUST THAT!
As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next and forget to pause and reflect on what’s happening now. So, before stepping into a week of turkey and pumpkin pies,, I’d like to encourage you to do just that.
Great leadership is much like exercise. It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see immediate results. If we focus only on day-to-day progress, it can feel like the effort outweighs the impact. But, just like with fitness, it’s the long-term view—the weeks, months, and years—that reveals real growth and success.
The impact of strong leadership is also best seen over time.
As Alan Loy McGinnis wrote in Bringing Out the Best in People, "There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being—to help someone succeed." And that’s exactly what you do as leaders. Day by day, through your consistent, selfless investment, you’re helping your teams build a foundation for long-term success.
It’s not just about what you do as a leader; it’s also about how you lead.
Heading into Thanksgiving break, I know it’s easy to feel drained. Fatigue sets in, and maintaining perspective can be tough. As leaders, this is when the weight of guiding and supporting others becomes real. You give so much to your teams. As John Maxwell reminds us, “There is no life as empty as the self-centered life. There is no life as centered as the self-empty life.” That exhaustion comes from your deep care, from pouring yourselves into the growth and success of your teams. And that selflessness is the true mark of great leadership.
This is why you are so admired by your colleagues. Together, you accomplish great things for your organization. As Simon Sinek notes, “It’s not the work we remember with fondness, but the camaraderie, how the group came together to get things done.” In the end, your team members will cherish the personal investment you made in their professional lives even more than the tasks or projects you completed together. Their experiences will be what shape them, sparking lasting growth and change.
Leadership is about giving, and giving is the highest form of living. During this season of gratitude, I want you to know how much I value and appreciate you—not just for what you do, but for how you do it. Your presence, dedication, and commitment to your teams truly make a difference. You are shaping the future of our communities every day through your leadership and influence. You give your teams purpose and something to strive for.
So, as you head into this break, take the time to rest, relax, and recharge. Enjoy your family and friends, and come back ready to keep making a difference as we approach the end of 2024.
Thank you for everything you do. You are making an incredible impact! From one leader to another, THANK YOU!
Go have another piece of pie. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation season is almost upon us!