{"id":2804,"date":"2015-11-26T00:00:24","date_gmt":"2015-11-26T05:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/terrencemetz.com\/?p=2804"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:38:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T17:38:24","slug":"attitude-of-gratitude","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/attitude-of-gratitude\/","title":{"rendered":"Attitude of Gratitude Makes for More Powerful Facilitation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The evidence is overwhelming\u2014those who have more gratitude, or an attitude of gratitude — are happier individuals.<\/h2>\n

Although you won\u2019t hear the term \u2018happy\u2019 very frequently in one of our meetings or workshops (because the word is both subjective and fuzzy), it seemed appropriate as people of the United States are celebrating their Thanksgiving period to provide a quick reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Few, if any, would argue that gratitude is not a positive attitude. Positive attitudes, or an attitude of gratitude, provide a leading indication for the opportunity to galvanize consensus. Therefore, groups who have more gratitude are more likely to agree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mandate vs. Gratitude<\/h3>\n

Of interest are the following trend lines extracted from Google\u2019s Ngram. As the use of the term \u2018mandate\u2019 has increased in recent decades, the use of the term \u2018gratitude\u2019 has decreased. While the relationship does not prove that people have less gratitude today than in the past, it does suggest that the frequency of the term and reference to its positive meaning has been on the decline.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Attitude

Mandate vs Gratitude<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Facilitation vs. Gratitude<\/h3>\n

Although use of the \u2018facilitation\u2019 in a business sense is relatively new (over the past few decades), since we started teaching facilitation there has been a steady and positive slope increase in the use of gratitude. Not coincidentally, we would argue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Attitude

Gratitude vs Facilitation<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Implications?<\/h3>\n

Get your group to be more thankful for what they have, rather than dwelling on what they do not have. Use what they have (e.g., skills, strengths, etc.) to focus on WHAT they could do to further extend what gives them gratitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

You will benefit personally as well. Harvard Medical School reports that “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps<\/u> people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships<\/u>.” (emphasis is ours)<\/span><\/p>\n

People in the United States take so much for granted, it can make outsiders incredulous. Perhaps less than one percent of the people on this planet have some money in the bank, a few coins in their purse, a stocked refrigerator at home, the ability to read, at least one parent who remains alive, the skill to read, and the liberty to attend the place of worship at their choosing.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you do, if your meeting participants do, then we suggest that you begin your meeting or workshop by first stressing the gratitude to have the opportunity<\/u> to make things better for your business and its stakeholders<\/a>.\u00a0 Most people are not so fortunate.<\/span><\/p>\n

______<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Lead the Change\u2014One Meeting at a Time<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Are you ready to transform how decisions are made, problems are solved, and alignment is built in your organization?<\/span><\/p>\n

True meeting leadership goes beyond setting an agenda.<\/b><\/span> It requires a facilitator who can navigate complexity, balance voices, and drive toward outcomes with clarity and consensus. Our Professional Meeting Leadership Workshop<\/b><\/span><\/a> equips you to do just that\u2014blending human-centric methods<\/b><\/span> with structured analytical tools<\/b><\/span> to foster rigor, inclusivity, and results that stick.<\/span><\/p>\n