The power of a simple like!

My Friends,

Happy Sunday! I hope you are ready for another great week ahead. today, I want to share a story with you and take you on a journey close to my heart.?As you all know, mentoring is a passion, and coffee is an addiction. Sharing those two with people is unlike any ordinary meeting, but a meaningful connection.

A while back, I had many cups with one whom we will call Alex for the purpose of this article. He was a talented young professional gifted with creativity and unique ideas. We were sitting in a café where the aroma of fresh coffee swirled around us, and the chatter of others created a warm atmosphere as we talked about our lives, careers, Linkedin, and social media. Alex shared a worry that made me stop and think for a minute because it was not unique to him only, but it was unique to many young or even seasoned professionals, one that maybe many of us may have faced.?

The concern was that he hesitated to like posts from different companies or even colleagues. He was worried that it might look disloyal or make him seem less committed to his employer. I could see the concern on Alex’s face. We debated for a bit and spoke about the positives and negatives.

Our conversation reminded me of a wise Moroccan proverb: “He who does not cultivate his garden will not harvest its fruit.” In other words, you won't reap the benefits if you don’t nurture your relationships and connections, even if you nurture these relationships behind the scenes. Doing so in public says a lot about you.

Let me share with you something that may change many perspectives similar to the one Alex has. Recently, I visited the beautiful botanical garden in Green Bay. Imagine this beautiful garden, full of flowers of every color and shape. Each flower is unique, contributing to the beauty of the whole garden. Now, picture one flower that refuses to acknowledge its neighbors. It stands tall and proud but misses the sunshine and rain that helps it grow. Would that flower be any more special? Not at all! It’s just a missed opportunity to thrive alongside others.?Just as in the garden, when we support others by engaging, liking, commenting, or sharing, we’re not diminishing our value. We’re creating a community that helps everyone flourish. In Morocco, we say Unity is strength. When we lift each other, we create an environment where everyone can thrive.

After our conversation, I noticed a change in Alex. He began to engage more openly on LinkedIn and share insights. Some of his engagements sparked conversations! People began to appreciate his perspective, and as time went on,?his network grew stronger. Invitations to webinars, collaborations on projects, and even job opportunities started knocking on his door. People began to recognize him as a young professional and a visible, passionate leader fostering a community spirit. It was a game-changer.

One afternoon, while catching up with Alex, he said, “You were right. Engaging with others online and offline has brought so much more into my life than I ever expected. It’s like a ripple effect; one small action leads to another.” I replied with something very powerful: My parents once told me. The hand that gives is better than the hand that receives. I also asked him to pause for a moment and think about it. If you are building a house, A single beam cannot hold a roof. Therefore, we all need each other to make something solid and lasting. No one can succeed in isolation.?Success is never a solo journey; it’s about the connections we build along the way. Everything matters. I encouraged Alex to continue this journey of support, and I encourage you to do the same if you are reading this.?Take the time to acknowledge someone else’s work, and you will not just help them; you will also help yourself. You will position yourself as someone who values collaboration over competition.

So, what can we take away from all of this? Here are a few insights you could apply your professional journey:

1- Support is Powerful: Engaging with others strengthens your voice. When you celebrate someone else’s success, it reflects positively on you as a leader.

2- Confidence is Key: Liking and sharing diverse ideas shows you’re secure in your abilities. You don’t need to feel threatened by others’ successes; instead, see them as opportunities for growth.

3- Community is Everything: Building a support network creates a culture of collaboration. The more you contribute to others, the more they will contribute to you.

4- Embrace Abundance: Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. There’s enough success to go around, and you’re also lifting yourself by lifting others.

5- Take Action: Don’t wait for someone to reach out first. Be proactive in your support. A simple like or a thoughtful comment can open doors you never imagined.

As you move forward in your journey, remember the power of connection. Each time you engage with someone, you’re not just making a small gesture; you’re planting seeds for future growth. So, remember Alex's journey the next time you find yourself hesitating to reach out to someone, like a post, or support a colleague. Think about the beautiful gardens, the strength in unity, and the reciprocity of giving and receiving.?

Let’s embrace this mindset and build a community where we flourish together.

Go out and enjoy this week with a fresh view of life!

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