Just a Kind Word. . .

People don't know what's going on with you.  You may be doing a really terrific job of hiding that you are having a lousy day.       They may not know that a peer was incredibly inconsiderate of you.  The fact that you are struggling at home, or with friends, may go completely unnoticed.    The idea that you're insecure about your most recent HR action probably doesn't even register.

So when someone says something nice to you. . .when they take a moment to acknowledge you. . .when they tell you what a great job you did or how incredible your workplace looks - it really means a lot to you.  Your whole day just got a lot better.

You don't know what's going on with those around you. . .that maybe they feel unappreciated, or lonely or threatened.   That maybe a little word from you would just change their world for the better.

So let's look for the good.    The little and the good.  What a great job someone did on a major (or minor) project.  Or how much you always appreciate how  dependable they are.  Or how well they do their job. . .or collaborate with their peers.   Tell them how they have positively impacted your life, the life of their co-workers  and the workplace in general.

Thank them.  Again and again.

Take time to look up and out.  Say hello to your co-workers when you arrive in the morning;   wish them a pleasant evening when you leave.   Get water to fill up the coffee maker;   get someone a cup of tea.  Bring them chocolate.

In a world that is currently crying out for civility - let's go one better.  Go beyond. . .make your place and their place. . . a better place.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle