22 Oct Rooted in Gratitude: Finding Strength in Family Amid Uncertainty
By Mike Schmitt, Rubra Group
June 6, 2025
In moments of global unrest and personal challenge, gratitude can feel like a luxury—something reserved for quieter, more comfortable times. Yet it is precisely in these moments of uncertainty that gratitude becomes most essential. It becomes our compass, our anchor, and our silent strength.
This month, as part of our continuing reflections on legacy, leadership, and unity, we turn our hearts and thoughts toward gratitude—not just as an emotion, but as a deliberate act of family leadership.
Why Gratitude Matters Now
When the world feels unpredictable, whether due to economic shifts, geopolitical unrest, or health crises, it’s natural for anxiety to creep in. Fear loves silence; it thrives in the unspoken and festers in the unacknowledged. But gratitude is the antidote. It doesn’t dismiss difficulty, but it does shine a light on what’s still good, still true, still standing.
In family enterprises, this truth is magnified. The intertwined roles of family and business create pressures that few outside understand. We navigate not only balance sheets but emotional dynamics, generational expectations, and legacy itself. Gratitude helps us step out of reactive mindsets and into proactive stewardship.
Showing Gratitude in Our Families
1. Gratitude for Presence
Begin with the people closest to you. Acknowledge their presence. This doesn’t require elaborate speeches, just intentional, everyday affirmations. A simple “thank you for being here” at dinner or a note of appreciation on a busy workday can go a long way. In a family enterprise, showing that you value someone’s time and input, not just their role, is profoundly stabilizing.
2. Gratitude for the Past
It’s tempting to look forward constantly, toward growth, change, and next steps. But grounding ourselves in the sacrifices and stories of those who came before gives us resilience. Whether your family has records of grandparents building a business from scratch or stories of recovery from previous economic downturns, remembering what they endured and achieved reframes the present. It turns hardship into heritage.
3. Gratitude in Disagreement
In times of tension—whether strategic disputes or generational misalignments—gratefulness might not be the first impulse. But expressing gratitude for another’s perspective, even when you don’t agree, transforms the atmosphere. Try phrases like, “I appreciate you caring enough to bring this up,” or “I value how deeply you think about this.” These acknowledgments open the door to constructive dialogue, rather than defensive positioning.
4. Gratitude as a Ritual
Families that build rituals of gratitude, whether it’s sharing wins each week, giving thanks at meals, or sending appreciation notes in family meetings, create a resilient culture. In times of uncertainty, these rituals don’t just continue; they provide a sense of continuity and identity.
Leading With Gratitude
Leadership in family business is not just about decision-making. It’s about tone-setting. Leaders who practice gratitude, especially when conditions are tough, build trust. They remind the family and the organization of what’s working, who’s trying, and why we continue.
Warren Buffett once said, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Gratitude acknowledges the planters of those trees, and challenges us to keep planting, even when the soil feels uncertain.
Ask Yourself:
- Who in my family haven’t I thanked recently?
- What part of our legacy am I most proud of, and how can I share that with others?
- Where can I bring gratitude into a tense or unresolved conversation?
Extending Gratitude Beyond the Family
While our families are the heartbeat of our enterprise, the ecosystem includes many others—employees, advisors, partners, and even customers. In challenging times, consider how your family can collectively express gratitude outward:
- A handwritten thank-you to long-time employees.
- A holiday meal shared with the entire team.
- A community initiative in honor of a loved one who built the family foundation.
Gratitude expressed collectively strengthens identity. It shifts focus from what’s uncertain to what is enduring.
A Legacy of Thankfulness
When we imagine our descendants gathering 50 or 100 years from now, what do we want them to say about us? That we endured difficult times with grace? That we stayed unified in the face of stress? That we were faithful stewards of not just wealth, but wisdom?
Gratitude helps write that story.
As we step into the second half of the year, may we not wait for perfect conditions to practice thankfulness. May we lead with it. Live with it. Speak it, especially when the world outside makes it hard to see.
We are grateful for each of you, and for the values you uphold, the legacies, you honor, and the courage you show.
No Comments