DIRECTIONS
Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy November! As we enter this season of gratitude and reflection, I’m reminded of how impactful a positive mindset can be in both our personal and professional lives.
In late September, we had the pleasure of gathering in Boston for the annual LTEN Learning Executive Series: Annual Forum. It was an incredible two-day event filled with insightful discussions, collaboration and new ideas.
One of the highlights this year was the introduction of our Executive Exchange session, where attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with premier sponsors in one-on-one meetings. The session was well-received, and it was wonderful to witness the valuable connections and conversations that took place.
Seeing everyone in Boston — both familiar faces and new ones — was a reminder of the power of community in our field. The energy, engagement and exchange of ideas at the forum underscored the importance of continuous learning and leadership.
As we move into the season of giving thanks, I want to focus this column on gratitude, a theme emphasized by one of our keynote speakers, Devin C. Hughes.
Devin shared an inspiring message about the profound impact of positivity and how crucial it is for leaders to foster a positive mindset, both for us and our teams. He reminded us that gratitude is not just a feeling but a habit we must nurture daily.
Devin outlined some simple yet powerful ways to make gratitude a regular part of our lives, and I’d like to share a few that I have incorporated into my routine:
Start your day with gratitude. Begin each day by identifying something you’re grateful for. It sets a positive tone for everything that follows.
Express gratitude to others. Whether it’s a quick note, an email or a face-to-face acknowledgment, showing appreciation to those around you fosters a culture of positivity.
Gratitude reminders. Set daily reminders on your phone or computer to prompt you to think about something you’re grateful for.
Gratitude notes. Send an unexpected thank-you note to someone who has made a difference in your life. Devin had us pull out our phones and do this in the moment, and I challenge you to stop and do the same right now. You may be surprised with the response you receive — I know that I was!
End your day with gratitude. Before you go to sleep, reflect on at least one thing from your day for which you are grateful.
These practices may seem small, but collectively, they can have a huge impact on our mindset and the way we lead. As we work to build strong, resilient teams around us, let’s remember the role that positivity and gratitude play in creating an environment where people can thrive.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you — our members, partners and leaders. You are the lifeblood of LTEN, and it’s your dedication to excellence that makes our community so special. Thank you for all you do, and let’s carry this spirit of gratitude with us into the months ahead.
Wishing you all a season filled with thankfulness and joy!
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at
lharbert@L-TEN.org or connect with her through
linkedin.com/in/lauren-harbert-25373b35.