How does gratitude function in a healthy organizational ecosystem?
Well, we know how unhealthy ecosystems look. They reflect the epitome of a mindset of scarcity: not enough time, over-work and low compensation, unrealistic expectations and unattainable goals. Frustration. Envy. Low energy. An emphasis on what is lacking leads to co-worker resentment, negativity, low morale and lack of organizational progress toward mission-centric goals. Team members feel chronically tired, exhibit high stress, feel lackluster about their work and generally burned out at the thought of another team-building exercise or strategic planning meeting. When the leaders look around the room, they see what is lacking - energy, vision, and life.
What needs to happen for that stifling intransigence to shift into a healthy organizational matrix?
Gratitude. (<L. gratus, pleasing, thankful) It's that moment when we recognize our personal and communal abundance, when we reframe our perspective with a horizon of possibility rather than scarcity. Gratitude is not just a lesson for pre-schoolers in manners and etiquette. It plays a significant role in organizational health, co-creativity, and resilience. Gratitude is a type of mindful presence to the abundance of ideas, resources, unique gifts of incredible people, and infinite possibilities that surround us as we engage our day.
Team members, leaders, and organizational strategists who are excellent in their day-to-day interactions and productivity foster positive attitudes because they practice gratitude. The same people are often great at change management because have their antennas tuned into the abundance of gifts around and within them and see change as potential for creativity and growth. They nurture an overall sense of inclusivity and belonging because they recognize how valuable each member is to a healthy team. They approach meetings with a palpable "can do" attitude because they know they have an incredible team surrounding them. Because of this keen "sixth sense," abundance-seekers tap into daily gratitude, and the concomitant energy creates contagious ripples of contentment, enthusiasm, and vocational fulfillment, even joy. Because of this, gratitude is the fertilizer necessary for healthy root systems and growth in any organizational ecosystem.
Whatever we have to do - keeping a gratitude journal, setting a daily intention, practicing a gratitude meditation, doing breathwork or a daily gratitude ritual - making gratitude part of our daily practice only helps the whole. Go gratitude!
Comments