Gratitude and Recognition With Ian Tyson

That Attitude is Gratitude! 

It’s no secret that talking about Gratitude is part of my speaking. I use the term “GrateFuel”  constantly, because Gratitude is the fuel that drives you forward. It will take you where you  want to go! That feeling of gratitude is not only the starting point to a good day, a good week, a  good month and a good year, but it will spread throughout your community. If you can create  an energy in your school of giving thanks whenever possible, recognizing those around you,  generally feeling grateful for what you have - the rest of your job as leaders gets easier. In a  world where the default is to complain about what is wrong, why not start from a place of  thanks, and moving upward from there. 

Here’s a few ideas that I hope will help.  

Get Thank You Cards 

As a leadership team/class/club/council, either buy some generic cards, or better yet, use the  technology at hand and customize cards from any print shop or website. Make it a photo of  your group, a picture of the school, your mascot… whatever!! Keep them on hand, and if  anyone does anything in your school, to help your leadership group, to make the school a  better place, to volunteer at an event, literally anything - make sure they get a thank you card.  Throw them in a teachers mailbox, drop them in a student locker. Make sure you hand write  them, it’s a personal touch that will be noticed. 

Recognize the Little Things 

A lot of schools do a student of the week (and so should you!) as it’s a great way to  acknowledge little things that people do to make your school a better place. But, don’t let it  stop there, recognize teachers, under recognized individuals, clubs and teams in assemblies,  and use your schools social media to show off your people. Many schools have a “Faces of…”  page or feature to make sure everyone gets their moment in the sun. 

Let Them Know! 

The smallest of acts, of making people feel seen can be monumental. Set up a day once a  week or month that your leaders hold doors for everyone, and thank them for being there.  Greet people at the door when they come in the building. Make eye contact and say hello to  people… all the people!! It will make your school feel smaller and more like the community it  should be. 

Reward them. 

I’m not saying you pay people or bribe them, but truly.. the least expensive Bulk Barn candy,  handed out at the door and saying “Thank you for being here today” will do more than you can  imagine. Instead of something on their phone, look in someones eye, shake their hand and  express your thanks and intention. 

Friends, these a small tips, but truly it starts with you and feeling thankful every day. If you can  find something, and I mean anything to be thankful for, on your worst day - there is nothing in  this life that can stop you!! 

Bring the GrateFuel!!