During this time of year, people often reflect on the things that they are grateful for.  Often, those “things” are material things or circumstances.  This year, I practiced telling the people around me that I am grateful for them and why.  I use this approach as a leader to express gratitude for my team members and decided to apply this to my personal life.  My conclusion is that this attitude is beneficial in all areas of my life!

As an employee and team member, I have been in situations where I felt undervalued, underappreciated, and taken for granted.  I believed that the leaders around me treated me like I was expendable and the employees as interchangeable.  I vowed as a leader that I would never intentionally make my team feel that way.  When I became a leader, I made sure that my team knew that I valued their skill set, experience, and expertise.  I let them know that it mattered to me and the organization if they stayed or left and that I wanted them to continue to be a part of the team. 
If you would like to take steps to show gratitude to those around you, try these strategies:
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• Tell them.  Simply tell them, “I am grateful for you because…”
• Write a note.  Express your gratitude in a hand-written note or greeting card.
• Give a gift.  A thoughtful gift can show someone that you appreciate them.
• Praise publicly.  Find an opportunity to brag on someone in public. 
• Spend time.  One of the best expressions of gratitude one can give is the act of spending quality time.  Take the time to have a meaningful conversation or to learn more about them.  Actively listen.

As a leader, I recognize that it is an honor and great responsibility to lead others.  Without followers, there is no leader.  I am thankful for all those, past and present, that have allowed me to lead them in any capacity.  It is truly a pleasure!

There is a saying that being a leader is like being a man alone on an island.  It is true that the higher up the career ladder you go, the fewer people there may be in your organization to collaborate with or to confide in.  You may find that others do not understand your job responsibilities or that the people that you used to talk to are now your subordinates.  Whatever the case, you may find yourself alone and desiring support.  Some of the signs that you have created your own island are:

• You often wish that you had someone to vent to or confide in.
• You feel like no one understands what you are going through.
• You believe other people in leadership positions have it all together, but you don’t.
• You do not feel supported.

Many organizations do not incorporate adequate training and support for their leaders which can lead to feelings of isolation.  Additionally, entrepreneurs and the self-employed often find themselves isolated and disconnected from others.  The good news is that you can take steps to reconnect.  Here are some ways the prevent feelings of isolation:

1. Identify and connect with a mentor.  Your mentor may have held your position or a similar position in the past successfully.  They will understand your situation, feelings, and challenges and can provide sound advice when needed.
2. Hire a coach.  A coach can help you to address your challenges and build your leadership or business capacity.  They can provide effective ways for addressing challenges you may face.
3. Attend networking events.  Many people in your area are connecting in a social environment to support one another and build new working relationships. 
4. Connect on social media.  Business-minded men and women often connect using social media to network and offer support. 
5. Lean on your friends.  Your friends may not know exactly what you are going through, but they can be a source of encouragement and inspire you to keep going.

A leader does not have to be isolated if they do not want to.  There are steps that he or she can take to (re)connect with other like-minded individuals.  However, feelings of isolation, loneliness, or other negative feelings should not be ignored.  If you are feeling depressed or experience any other symptoms of mental health disorders, please seek the medical advice of a doctor.