Gratitude Makes Us Better Leaders

In organisations, we frequently hear... "There is no collaboration here, people are not grateful." These statements usually occur at all management levels generating mistrust, dissatisfaction and a bad organisational climate.

This type of perception can translate into bosses not trusting their people and team members becoming unhappy, unmotivated and not valued.

The i4 Neuroleader Model, developed by Silvia Damiano, includes collaboration as a leadership competency. Within it, the pillar of inspiration, a word that might sound romantic, although if understood the deeper meaning,  inspiration is a very powerful concept.

In my experience, I have witnessed that people need to look for someone who can inspire them. Someone inspirational can help people have more courage and also create feelings of happiness and fulfilment.

If we want our work teams to be collaborative, leaders need to develop the ability to inspire and enthuse others. 

How can we achieve the above?

Developing inspirational leaders increases collaboration. The question is: how do we achieve inspiration? Research shows that when the focus is on feeling happier, we are more likely to become inspired and achievement oriented. This has a direct impact on collaboration and performance. 

Gratitude is the easiest way to feel happier. We can all learn to notice the small things that we have. It is like a process. By practising being grateful on a daily basis, a sense of optimism increases which gives us the energy to achieve our goals, strengthen our immune system which makes us healthier.

Psychologists Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar says: 'To appreciate what we have at our disposal means giving thanks for something, but it also means  increasing its value. Both are connected because when we appreciate the good things in life, they appreciate in value and the feelings for us is that we have more than enough'. There is scientific proof that when we appreciate my partner, my work and my life, the good things increase in our life.

In addition, when we practise gratitude as leaders, essential neurochemicals such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin also increase. This has a positive effect on our well-being. Gratitude also amplifies  our capacity to be compassionate towards others. When we show compassion, our relationships improve as the feelings of  envy, depression and loneliness also dissipate.

Being happy and grateful is not difficult. We just have to put it into practice and create a domino effect in our organisations to generate brain-friendly cultures that could transform our society.

Watch María’s Brain-Friendly Channel Session

When: Mar 14 2022 2PM GMT-6
Hosted: Ricardo González, LATAM President, About my Brain Institute
Guest: María Arocha, Manager & Talent Strategist, Factor Humano

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