Make Their Day

“How do the people around you know they make a difference?” 

Ask that question, and you’ll feel the momentum build around you. I teach an 8-day Leader Development Course. We offer this course 15 times a year; every few weeks, another group of 60 leaders come to Montgomery, Alabama, to study, talk about, and prepare for their next leadership position. 

During that time, we discuss culture, values, diversity, innovation, and more. I begin each small-group session (and one of my lectures) by asking that important question. Why? Over the past 20 years of serving as an executive and leadership coach, I’ve learned it is essential to help people remember they make a difference.

The easiest way I know of to do that is to ASK! Too often, I ask a leader, “How do the people around you know they make a difference?” and they stare back at me for a couple of moments. Most of them make up an answer. They’ll reply, “Oh, I’m sure they know.”

Here’s something else you can do to make someone’s day: write them an “Awareness Card.” Though it may look like a thank you card, it’s different. In about 100 words (long for a thank you card), share what you saw the person do recently that made a difference. 

Describe the scene as you remember it, share what you felt as you watched it unfold (including how you’re feeling now after-the-fact), and explain to them how they are a part of a team doing great work. 

Best news of all? You’ll know that people around you DO make a difference!

Go…Create Momentum!