Gratitude

Enterance Customization

There are many entrances to Central Park in New York City. As a special touch, there are twenty unique gates (entrances) along the six-mile perimeter of the park. Some are self-evident. The Children’s Gate leads to the Central Park Zoo and adjoining playgrounds. The Artist Gate is reflective of the cultural buildings nearby. And other gates (Woodsman, Miners, and Pioneers) are a nod to those critical to the city’s founding.

How might we use customized entrances as a way to welcome, honor, and celebrate those who are critical to our success.

Possession and Proximity

Have you spent time searching for a misplaced key, phone, clothing, or personal item only to discover that the mislaid item is already in your possession: keys in a pocket, phone in hand, clothing on your person? Sometimes, that which is closest to us is easiest to overlook. We glance over the super fans who show up to each of our events, unintentionally ignore the text of encouragement from the best friend, and create a blind spot for the donor who contributes without prompting. However, when the pattern is broken, we notice. We go searching for the critical components that had filled crucial roles. We see the negative space where once it was occupied.

How might we account for the foundation of our work without always gazing skyward to estimate how many more floors we can amass? How might we pause to thank those that are fundamental to our success? How might we inventory the area around us before racing out to secure a new version of what we already possess?

Cadence of Celebration

If we wait until the last moment to share our appreciation we might miss the opportunity to germinate generosity. Delaying gratitude until the gift is revealed is a risky proposition. If we have built trust and a connection, implied thanks might be sufficient but silence can easily be misconstrued and disappointment.

How might waiting until the final meeting of a board member’s term to say generous things change the course of their service? How might periodic illustrations of impact offer encouragement and refuel our collective purpose?

What is the right cadence for celebration and appreciation? What has worked well for your enterprise? What has been less ideal?

Victory Speech

IMG_1303Victory speeches are great when accolades are bestowed upon us.  It provides a platform for us to recognize those who have provided fuel for our journey.  No matter the quest, we did not travel alone and relied on mentors and guides along the way.  Too often we wait until victory is gained before we give the speech.

What if we gave a little bit of the victory speech everyday?  What if we were generous with our compliments and recognition each time we assemble as a team?  What if the victory speech is not remarkable to the tribe because they have memorized the refrain?  How would we function if we were winning each and everyday?

Thank You!

Too many times the words of appreciation I intended to share with those who inspire depart with me, never being uttered and unable to reach their intended destination.  Rather they float in a liminal space, unspoken but thought with gratitude.  They come from remarkable moments shared.  Generosity beyond comprehension.  Acts of safety performed out-of-sight but with care.  Good wishes and cheers of success.  Recognition of places to return with those who would embrace a shared perception of beauty.  Weight taken from shoulders.  Paradigm shifts.  Recommendations.  Notes of gratitude.  Clarity.  Smiles.  Inclusion.

Thank you is not the end point for the interaction.  Being present and aligned with a greater purpose is perhaps the highest act of gratitude.  We cheer not for reaching the finish line but rather the fleeting moments where our paths overlap and we share our journey together.

Thank you to all those who share their adventures and invited us to tag along.  We went further together than we might have on our own.