Tenet Round-up: The Gratitude Issue 📰
A round-up of content about the importance of expressing gratitude as an Oddball Leader.
Oddball Leadership is marked by four core values: belonging, gratitude, curiosity, and joy. Here's a round-up of past posts based on each value. And — if you're ready to level up your leadership skills — there are some open-ended questions at the end of the post for you to ponder this week!
ICYMI: Last week we talked about belonging. Click here to catch up!
Bri Gerzevske
This week: Gratitude. The value that separates the Oddballs from the leaders who outsource appreciation to a trophy company. After all, a team member who feels genuinely appreciated doesn't need — or want! — a commemorative plaque to know they matter.
Let's dig in. 👇🏻
THE GRATITUDE READING LIST
On pizza parties and crystal clocks. A case for ditching corporate-branded swag in favor of fair compensation, flexibility, and a safe workplace.
The alarming paradox of leadership in philanthropy. If we can appreciate, listen to, and empathize with donors, fundraising leaders can (and should) do the same — and more — for the people they lead.
What Being Stuck in a Van for 16+ Hours with my Team Taught Me. A lesson in how Oddball Leadership shows up in unexpected places — when titles disappear, snacks are passed around, and you have a haiku-writing contest about your favorite gas station chain. (This is a story based on true events. 😂😂😂)
QUESTIONS TO SIT WITH THIS WEEK
Before you go back to the grind (boooo), ponder this:
- Think about the last time you felt genuinely appreciated at work by someone else — not just recognized, but actually seen. What made that feeling land? What did the leader or culture do to make that feeling possible?
- If your team were honest with you right now, would they say your gratitude shows up in your actions — or just in your intentions?
- Where in your organization does appreciation get "outsourced" — think programs, annual events, or templated emails — instead of practiced in the day-to-day? What would it look like to enhance appreciation strategies like these?
If you have thoughts about these questions, or would like to share your answers with me, drop me a line at bri@oddballleadership.com. I would love to hear from you!
On deck for next week: Curiosity.
It's the key to having difficult discussions, solving complex problems, and creating shared understanding.
Posts linked above are available in full to Oddball Leadership subscribers. Free and paid memberships are available at OddballLeadership.com — come hang out with us! 💖
