Giving Thanks: Embracing Appreciation in Our Professional Lives at Thanksgiving Time

As another Thanksgiving continues its grip, it's time for us to pause and reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for in our organizational lives.

First and foremost, I am thankful for the people. Yes, it's the people who make an organization more than just a structure or a name. Through their collective efforts and undying commitment, they tackle the most significant challenges and achieve beyond what anyone expects. Whether it be the brilliant scientists in biotech, the creative minds in engineering, or the visionary innovators in technology, these individuals are at the heart of our organizations.

I am grateful for the culture of learning and innovation in our organizations. These dynamic environments continuously push us to the edge of our comfort zones, inspiring us to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Every day is a new opportunity to grow, to improve, and to make a positive contribution. This culture of learning and innovation fosters creativity, encourages collaboration, and drives our organizations forward.

I am also thankful for the opportunities organizations provide for personal and professional development. From training programs to workshops, mentoring to coaching, these opportunities push us to become better versions of ourselves. They equip leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to take on new challenges and advance in their careers.

Let us not forget the hardships and failures we face in organizational life. Layoffs, mismatched expectations, and missed opportunities, for example. While they may seem disheartening at the moment, I am eternally thankful for these experiences in organizational life. They are among our greatest teachers, imparting lessons of perseverance, resilience, and humility. If you're in science, technology, or engineering, you know that failed experiments and missed targets pave the way for profound insights and groundbreaking discoveries.

At a more personal level, organizational life offers us the platform to live our values. I am grateful for the ability to weave my beliefs - authenticity, integrity, and congruency - into the fabric of my professional life. It's a priceless gift to be able to walk the talk, to align actions with convictions, and to lead by example.

I am grateful for the humanistic values that guide and shape my work. Values like empathy, compassion, and respect play a pivotal role in how we function as a society. They encourage us to see beyond our individual perspectives and genuinely understand the viewpoints of our colleagues. This ability to appreciate the diversity of thought and experience is instrumental in fostering a harmonious and productive work environment, both equally important to me.

A special note of gratitude goes to the HR leaders who ensure the well-being and development of every team member. They are the champions of organizational culture, fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. Their work is often behind the scenes, but their impact resonates throughout organizations.

So, as we celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend, let's remember to extend our gratitude beyond the confines of our personal lives. Let's express appreciation for our organizational life - for the people, the learning, the failures, and the opportunities it provides. Because at the heart of every enterprise, big or small, are the people and the relationships that bind us together.

I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of working with my clients, who are leaders in science, technology, and engineering organizations. These individuals exemplify the spirit of innovation, always aspiring to bring their best to their team and company. Every interaction with them is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and progress. Their commitment to groundbreaking ideas, their steadfastness amidst challenges, and their ability to inspire those around them continue to earn my deepest admiration.

As a coach and Organization Development consultant, the opportunity to support and witness growth trajectories is an honor and a source of immense pride. It's inspiring to see how clients navigate complex scenarios, take calculated risks, and make decisions that steer their organizations toward prosperity. The trust they place in me to assist them in their leadership journey reinforces my commitment to their development. I am thankful for the chance to contribute to their personal and professional advancement and to see them transform their organizations and, indeed, the world around them.

As we transition from reflection to action, let's consider how we can express our gratitude in our organizational lives. It's one thing to feel thankful, but another entirely to demonstrate that appreciation in a meaningful way. Ultimately, it's not just about being thankful for what we have; it's also about recognizing what we can offer. Let's continue bringing our best selves to our work, lifting each other up, driving innovation, and improving our world each day. After all, isn't that something truly worth being thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving!