Attitude of Gratitude
In the highly competitive world of business, is there a place for gratitude?
Written by: Evelyn Langa from Global VA Support
Its often said that the business world is characterised by quotes such as; “its survival of the fittest”, “it’s a dog eats dog world”, “business is not for the faint hearted”, etcetera
The above quotes certainly has a ring of truth in it when you look around and see how many businesses have closed down post-COVID as well as the rising rate of unemployment world-wide. Economies are struggling and it impacts directly on families and societies as a whole. Certainly not a time to become emotional… if gratitude is indeed an emotion rather than a doing word.
The definition of gratitude that resonates with me most is taken from Tithe.ly
“Biblical gratitude is an approach to doing something, sustenance that strengthens you, and the intention behind your actions. Gratitude is a positive response to experiencing God’s goodness and grace. In other words, once you realize that God is working in your life, you’ll show gratefulness in how you live.”
Having been both employer and employee during my 30-odd years post-Matric, I can see how my perspective about my role in the workplace have changed acquired the requisite business acumen, knowledge, experience, skill to be in this position and am entitled to the remuneration befitting) to that of gratitude that my business acumen,knowledge, experience, skills match the position available – and further to that, the match between what I bring and what the employer brings contribute towards creating something far bigger than just my salary and profit for the business- it is a key ingredient to improving my own standard of living and also the standard of living of those who are impacted by our collective efforts.
I have practiced gratitude selectively over the years, and usually in response to receiving something from someone in word or deed. However, as my perspective shifted over the years, particularly after having lost my businesses, and finding myself without an income, I began to develop a deep sense of awareness for how God, through different people and events in my life, kept me sane. I have since, made a conscious effort to express gratitude in how I view my new unemployed, debt-ridden, stressful life in the context of the unique opportunity it presents to write a different story for my life.
As I reflected on what I’ve lost, I discovered so much more that I have and gained through the process and so much that I already have but always took for
granted. I developed a newfound sense of accomplishment in my contribution towards bettering the lives of those I worked with and those who I employed and trained over the years.
Being intentional about and bringing an Attitude of Gratitude into your life every day, in every situation and circumstance, is a value for/in business that can and should be a game changer in galvanising our collective efforts to improve not only our own lives but those whom we impact.