5 Things Every Leader Should Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

by Jay Desko, Ph.D. and Dave Marks, D.Min.

“…let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably…” - Hebrews 12:28

Just as Narcan is a life-saving medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses a drug overdose, so thankfulness reverses the effect of negative thinking and a critical spirit. Leaders can easily become cynical and get “addicted” to constant problem solving, and by default, they can neglect the life-giving value of intentional thanksgiving. As leaders, we need to focus on the positive things in our lives in order to cultivate a spirit of gratitude.

Here are five things that leaders can be thankful for specifically:  

1. Being enabled by God to lead others in spite of our own imperfections!

2. Having a healthy enough life to get up and go every morning!

3. Working with people that are fantastic! 

4. Receiving payment to do what we love!

5. Serving those around us by encouraging, training, and coaching!

What else are you thankful for?

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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.

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Dave Marks has over 35 years of church ministry experience including 23 years as a senior pastor. His consulting experience includes ministry assessment, leadership coaching, and strategic planning. Dave’s degrees include a B.S. in Bible, a M.S. in Organizational Leadership and a D.Min. in Leadership.