The 3 reasons leaders should love Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving shows up at the top of many favorite holiday lists, mine included. If it’s not one of your favorites, maybe it should be.  

Thanksgiving has always been special because it falls on or near my father’s birthday. My brother and his wife host both families for dinner Thursday. We are blessed to have grown up together, but Thanksgiving Thursday is the only day of the year all of us gather together. The next day our side repeats the meal at my parents’ home and celebrate Dad's birthday. There are traditions as part of the two days, but I treasure most hearing updates from everyone in the family.

#1. Updates…that’s one reason leaders should love this week. Asking the simple question, “How will you spend Thanksgiving?” is the perfect conversation starter: personal without being intrusive. Simply asking about their week invites people to share a glimpse into their lives outside of work. You get to hear about family and traditions. Basically, you can gain a treasure trove of what is important to your team just by asking one simple question. Pay attention and rely on the treasure trove all year long for motivation.

#2. The second reason leaders should love this week is because the opportunity to thank your team is built in to the calendar. For introverts or left-brain thinkers, there is no sudden display of emotion needed. It’s natural this week. You can send a simple email using one of the jpegs below to wish your team a Happy Thanksgiving. Below is a brief message you can use or edit as you’d like.

Thank you All! Thank you for being on the team and doing great work to propel us forward this year. Enjoy the holiday week with your families and know you are appreciated here too.

#3. Finally, the third reason leaders should love Thanksgiving is for the time to spend with your loved ones. You give a lot of love at work, and this Thursday is the one day you can focus it all on your family, friends, and dear ones. Enjoy the day. Bask in the glory of gratitude for all of the people in your life.

I am going to do the same. I will be basking in appreciation of you. Thank you for including me in your life and for leading people with courage, grace, and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratefully Yours,
Kelly