“If you really listen to
your colleagues and
figure out how to get
them what they
need, they will
perform at a higher
level, which improves
the customer
experience, which
affects business
results.”
Ken Keith,
CEO of the
Greenleaf Center
For Servant
Leadership.
What is Grateful Leadership?
Servant leadership was introduced in 1964
Grateful leadership is a new vision that complements
Robert Greenleaf’s philosophy.
“On an ongoing basis,
Grateful Leaders are
those who see,
recognize, and
express appreciation
and gratitude for their
employees’ and other
stakeholders’
contributions and for
their passionate
engagement.”
Judith W. Umlas
Senior Vice President,
International Institute for
Learning.
• Grateful Leadership philosophy
Acknowledge
&
Gain
Recognize
Grow
Does it make a difference?
Recognition
vs.
Acknowledgment
Is appreciation for an action
Is appreciation to a person for
who they are
• What they do to help meet
deadlines.
• What you admire and inspire you
about them.
• The quality of their work.
• What you see in them that they
may not see on themselves.
• Their commitment.
• Their responsiveness.
• Their value to the team and the
organization.
“ From travels all over
the world delivering
keynote addresses and
training sessions on
leadership and the
power of
acknowledgement, I
now know, and I have
the evidence to
support it, that
acknowledgment is a
skill we all have and it is
one we all want to
demonstrate.”
Judith W. Umlas
Author
The Strengths of the book
It is a very optimistic, encouraging,
and persuasive book. I felt and
understood the author’s true
feelings about the topic.
The profiles and stories included in
the reading supports the philosophy
of the book. It also, helps the reader
to reflect about their own situation
and/or form of leadership.
“Gratitude is an
elevating force that
links corporations to
humanity, thus
strengthening
relationships that are
instrumental to
corporate success.
There is no question
that the spread of
Grateful leadership will
improve business by
enhancing relationships
between people.”
Dough Rauch
CEO of Conscious
Capitalism
Seven Principles of
Acknowledgment
#1 Acknowledgment is deserve by many, but
received by few.
#2 Acknowledgment builds trust and creates
powerful interactions.
#3 Acknowledgment can help diffuse jealousy
and envy.
#4 Acknowledgment energize people, lack of
acknowledgment diminishes them.
“ Grateful leaders
believe in people’s
potential and the value
of each and every
person they employ or
rely upon, and these
leaders help them
recognize their full
potential. You have to
understand people’s
strengths and interests
and appreciate what
motivates them”
Kimberly Supersano
Chief Marketing
Officer, Prudential
Annuties
#5 Acknowledgment can make a profound
difference in a person’s life and work.
#6 Acknowledgment improves physical and
emotional well-being.
#7 Acknowledgment needs to be practice in
different ways.
“ Acknowledgment, by
my definition, is the
heartfelt and authentic
communication that
lets people know their
value to their
organization or to their
team and the
importance of the
contribution they
make.”
Judith W. Umlas
Forms of Acknowledgement
Written: A letter is a good source of
acknowledgment. Specially, because
the person can always go back and
read it at any given time.
Verbal: An acknowledgment can be
express verbally, in private or at a
meeting.
The outcome of my writing
5/5/2013
Hi Melanie and Jason:
I hope this letter is not misinterpreted . This is not with any purpose other than acknowledging
your great performance as managers and team leaders. As I have probably mentioned to you guys
before, I’m working on an organizational management program. As a way of learning and understanding
different types of organizat ions, I’m constantly comparing both, my postal job and Levity. That is how I
have learned to admire your management style. Today, I finished reading a book called “Grateful
leadership” by Judith Umlas. This book taught me the importance of acknowledgement and I want to
work on my skills to recognize and acknowledge others. I chose you guys because I recognize your effort
to guarantee a n excellent experience for each customer . I remember one occasion when Jason
emphasized how significant is to have clean Ke tchup bottles. That showed me how important is to pay
attention to small details to be successful. But more importantly, because I value and respect your
communication and understanding with the employees. You guys are always willing to listen and
accommodate your staff, an d in multiple occasions I have heard both, Melanie and Jason giving the
employees positive feedbacks.
This feeling of admiration is the reason why I continue to work for Levity. At times , I have felt
very overwhelmed due to my excessive work load and have considered quitting, but more than a salary
I’m gaining a positive learning experience by observing your work . I noticed my lack of involvement at
the comedy club and unfortunately, I m ight not be there long, but I hope that you guys co ntinue your
great job as team leaders and that Levity continues to grow.
Thanks
Diana Rodriguez
Always remember:
“ACKNOWLEDGING IS
CONTAGIOUS!”