Leading with Gratitude: Finding Meaning in the Imperfect Moments

November is National Gratitude Month — a time to reflect on what it really means to appreciate the journey we’re on, not just the highlight reel. Too often, gratitude is mistaken for forced positivity — smiling through struggles, pretending everything is fine, or denying frustration and disappointment. But true gratitude isn’t about chasing constant positivity; it’s about learning to be present with what’s real.

In both life and leadership, gratitude often begins in the moments we’d rather skip. It’s found in the lessons learned from failure, in the courage it takes to admit mistakes, and in the humility required to ask for help. When leaders release the need for perfection and stop seeking approval, they open the door to authenticity. That’s where genuine gratitude grows — in recognizing that every experience, even the hard ones, shapes who we are and how we lead.

In Lean thinking, this mindset of gratitude connects deeply to continuous improvement. We learn to “go see” problems not with blame, but with appreciation for the opportunity to improve. Each challenge becomes a teacher, and each small win a reason for thanks. Practicing gratitude helps us see value in the process, not just the results — a reminder that progress, like improvement, is incremental and ongoing. When we express appreciation for people’s efforts and learning, we create a culture where experimentation and reflection thrive.

Gratitude changes how leaders show up for their teams. A grateful leader listens more deeply, gives credit freely, and focuses on people, not just performance. They see setbacks as opportunities to learn and recognize effort even when outcomes fall short. By leading with gratitude, we foster trust, build resilience, and create workplaces where people feel valued for who they are — not just what they produce.

As we move through November, let’s make gratitude a daily practice — not a one-time reflection. Notice the small wins, thank those who challenge you, and be grateful for the lessons that come wrapped in discomfort. Gratitude is not the denial of imperfection; it’s the embrace of reality with grace. And that mindset doesn’t just make us better leaders — it makes us better continuous improvers.