In a recent coaching session, I had a conversation with Aisha, a talented executive who had always been praised for her results-driven leadership. Yet today, she came to me with a heavy heart. “Peter,” she said, “my team feels stuck. We’re facing so many obstacles, and no matter how hard we push, it’s like we can’t break through. I’m worried about how to keep them engaged to our purpose.”
It was clear she was carrying the weight of her team’s struggles on her shoulders. As I listened, I could tell she was looking for an immediate solution, but I decided to ask a different kind of question. “Aisha,” I said gently, “in the midst of all this, what are you grateful for in your team?”
She paused, clearly surprised. Gratitude wasn’t on her radar—at least not today. “Grateful?” she repeated, as if the concept was foreign to the challenges she was facing. “I don’t even know where to start.”
I encouraged her to sit with it for a moment, and slowly, the answers began to flow. “I guess I’m grateful for my team’s dedication. No matter how tough things get, they show up. I’m grateful for the creativity they’ve brought to some really tough problems. And,” she added thoughtfully, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead, even when it’s hard. This team means a lot to me.”
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the difficulties; it’s about recognizing the good within them. For Aisha, it became clear that gratitude could be a powerful tool in her leadership toolkit. Instead of letting the challenges define the narrative, she could refocus on what was working.
Inspired by this shift, Aisha decided to take action. At her next team meeting, she did something different. Instead of jumping straight into the problems, she started by expressing her genuine gratitude for the team’s efforts. She spoke about their loyalty, their creativity, and how much she valued each person’s contribution. Then, she invited them to share something they were grateful for as well. The energy in the room changed. What had been a space filled with tension became one of reflection and connection.
In that moment, Aisha became the hero of her own leadership story. She didn’t just motivate her team; she created a culture of gratitude that deepened their bond and their sense of purpose. The shift in perspective helped them tackle the same challenges with a new level of engagement and optimism.
This conversation with Aisha reminded me of something personal. Just recently, we completed the Lake Phalen walk event for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Together, through the Ardy Germann Team, we raised over $40,000, contributing to the overall total of $160,000 from the event. It was a profound reminder of the power of community and gratitude in difficult times. Every dollar raised goes toward advancing research for Multiple Myeloma—a cause close to my heart as we continue to honor Ardy’s legacy.
I’m incredibly proud and thankful for everyone who donated, no matter the amount. This effort wasn’t just about the money; it was about hope, community, and the strength we find when we come together for a greater cause. Just as Aisha found strength in gratitude, I’ve found a deep sense of gratitude in the way our community has rallied for this important cause. We are all part of something bigger, and that sense of purpose is what keeps us moving forward, even in the face of challenges.
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a leadership practice, a way of seeing the world that opens up new possibilities, and a way to deepen your sense of purpose. For Aisha, for me, and for all of us.