Last year, I had the privilege of participating in the Class of 2024 Leadership Kentucky Program, where I traveled our Bluegrass State with a diverse group of individuals, each with a heart to make our commonwealth better. I was astounded at these people's talent and leadership qualities, but I was most impressed with their lack of focus on themselves. For every opportunity, every encounter, every accomplishment, there was a common thread: gratitude.
A posture of gratitude is a mindset of thankfulness, appreciation and recognition of the value of others' contributions. I challenge you to think of someone who lives like this and then ask yourself, “Do I want them in the room?” I’d bet that answer is “Yes!”
When my kids were small, we watched a lot of Veggie Tales. One of my favorite songs went like this, “Because a thankful heart is a happy heart! I'm glad for what I have. That's an easy way to start!” Practicing an attitude of gratitude can make the intolerable more than tolerable.
I certainly fail at this practice daily, but I’ve learned that gratitude has a ripple effect. It creates a positive feedback loop that enhances the overall work environment. In leadership, this is particularly important. A grateful leader sets the tone for the entire organization, encouraging a culture of recognition and appreciation. It doesn’t matter if your sphere of influence is industry-wide, company-wide, department-wide, office-wide, or around the water cooler wide. The important thing is to be “wanted in the room” so you can make a difference.
I’ve been in our rural telecommunications industry for 31 years, and there have been (and still are) so many times I’ve been the only woman in the room, but I was grateful for the invitation. I was grateful for the opportunity to grow and contribute. I was grateful for the strong female leaders who came before me and have helped shape the opportunities I now enjoy. Presently, I’m grateful that the room is changing as I see so many beautiful, passionate, smart women effectuating change and shaping the future of our industry. And I’m talking about YOU!
These blogs are brought to you by NTCA Women in Telecom (WIT), a program dedicated to empowering women in the telecommunications industry. Learn more and get involved with WIT.