Words of Wisdom

The Grateful You

Tips for gratitude in your career and life from alumnus Scott T. MacGregor

Scott T. MacGregor ’91, is the founder and CEO of SomethingNew LLC, a five-time recipient of the American Business Award for Innovation. SomethingNew provides a unique approach to talent through an innovative approach to recruiting and talent advisory services.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

—American writer WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

Gratitude will change your life. The belief in the power of gratitude has led to two books, Standing O! and Standing O! Encore, which are anthologies of life lessons learned from prominent CEOs, Olympians, New York Times bestsellers, pro athletes, and military leaders. The third book in the series, Standing O! Salute, highlighting authors from the military, was released in fall 2020. (All proceeds for the books go to charity.)

Book Cover, Standing O! A Book of Gratitude for Life Lessons

Gratitude is a mindset. It’s literally how you see the glass. Is it half full or half empty? Mindset can be set through being intentional in the way that we process life’s up and downs. It is the same in business. Be grateful for adversity. Much of the good in our lives comes from the challenges we face and overcome. It is critically important to look for the lessons and opportunities for growth that we benefit from because of life’s stumbling blocks.

Gratitude does not have to be grandiose. Having gratitude for the big things, a loving and supportive spouse, or a fulfilling career is easy. Looking for the micro-moments of gratitude can take more practice. Being present and noticing the smell of fresh-cut grass or the sound of a crackling fire is a quick way to get us to a state of gratitude. We aim to be a company that is the first ring in the ripple of being grateful, sharing it with others and being a model of what a company can do to be grateful and give back regardless of size.

Gratitude acknowledged can change people’s lives. As a leader, expressing gratitude with your team strengthens the relationship you have personally and professionally. Simple things like sending handwritten notes lets people know they are worth the extra time and effort it takes to do so. Don’t let a day go by without telling someone “thank you” or “I appreciate you.”

A grateful life is a happy life.