"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus..."
                                                                -1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New International Version)

Today marks the first Thanksgiving for the "Leadership and..." blog, and I would be remiss if I did not take time to be thankful.

As leaders, we need to be eternal optimists instead of constant pessimists.

As leaders, we need to appreciate what we DO have, as opposed to what we do not have.

As leaders, we need to be thankful for our engaged employees rather than upset about our lack of staffing.

As leaders, we need to enjoy our jobs and our companies, and not constantly criticize the direction of the organization.

As leaders, we MUST be thankful.

As a leader, I am thankful...

• that I have a job
• that my cubicle is next to a window
• that my manager does not micromange me
• that my manager and I have a professional relationship with open and honest communication
• that my officemate does not mind that I play sappy 80's music
• that we have elevators in our building and I do not have to walk up nine floors every day
• that creativity is encouraged in my workplace
• that Merit System employees want to attend our PBJC Training classes
• that there are two microwaves in our breakroom to minimize wait times
• that the work I do is hopefully making a difference in people
• that you take time to read the "Leadership and..." blog

As leaders, there is always room for improvement in our workplaces.  But for this week, go ahead and take the time to think of what you are thankful for rather than what you do not have...

Not through rose-colored glasses, but through wide angle lenses...

Give thanks in all circumstances.

We have a lot to be thankful for...