LEADERSHIP SERIES
The Place of Gratitude in Workplace Excellence
By Stanley Izunwanne
Gratitude is not just a virtue; it is a leadership strength. It sets the atmosphere for joy, productivity, collaboration, and remembrance. Great leaders are grateful leaders—grateful to God, grateful to people, and grateful even in challenging moments.
1. Gratitude Sustains Joy and Well-being
> “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
— Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
You cannot be joyful and depressed at the same time. Joy flows from a grateful heart. Every day you fail to find a reason to be thankful is a day wasted. A day without a genuine smile is a day squandered. Gratitude is medicine to the soul and the body.
2. Gratitude Prevents Isolation and Depression
> “Two are better than one... For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (KJV)
Lack of joy leads to loneliness. Do not carry burdens alone. Find trustworthy people to share with—gratitude opens your heart to community. A problem shared is half solved.
3. Gratitude Recognizes the Mercy of God
> “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”
— Lamentations 3:22 (KJV)
Whatever good happens in your life is not solely the fruit of your labor but the outpouring of God’s mercy. Gratitude keeps you humble before Him.
4. Gratitude Breeds Loyalty and Trust
> “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)
Loyalty is not purchased; it is earned. And it is earned through consistent gratitude. When you are ungrateful, you position yourself for disloyalty and disgrace. Gratitude draws people to trust and honor you.
5. Gratitude Positions You for Recognition
> “And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? ... So it was recorded in the book of the chronicles.”
— Esther 6:3 (KJV)
Gratitude puts a man in remembrance. It singles you out before kings. Ingratitude hides your value; thankfulness reveals your worth.
6. Gratitude in All Circumstances
> “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Be grateful to God, whether things go as planned or not. Gratitude is a declaration of trust and a trigger for divine intervention.
7. Gratitude in Relationships and Teams
> “Honour thy father and thy mother... that thy days may be long.”
— Exodus 20:12 (KJV)
> “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour...”
— 1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV)
Be grateful to your family, leaders, mentors, colleagues, and team members. A grateful leader is an honoring leader, and honor always opens doors.
8. Gratitude Boosts Workplace Excellence
> “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts… and be ye thankful.”
— Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
Gratitude:
Boosts morale
Enhances engagement
Increases productivity
Fosters positive collaboration
Encourages a healthy workplace culture
9. Gratitude Enhances Health
> “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
— Proverbs 16:24 (KJV)
Gratitude brings peace, laughter, and healing. Learn to laugh with people. Let gratitude frame your speech, and watch your workplace health improve.
10. Gratitude is the Path to Greatness
> “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
— Proverbs 4:18 (KJV)
Gratitude is the attitude of the grateful that end up great. Greatness is not the destination of the grumbler but the grateful.
Final Charge:
> “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”
— Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
Make gratitude a culture, not just a reaction. Practice it deliberately. Teach it. Model it. Gratitude is not just good manners—it is the seed of enduring excellence in life and leadership.
