What would happen if we spent as much time encouraging and thanking people as we do complaining about each other? It actually takes less energy to say Thank you, than to be angry and say something discouraging. Are you willing to go out of your way to speak to management when something goes wrong? What about when something goes right?

I keep in mind the times someone said thank you and what a difference it made at a time when I was feelling discouragement. What does it cost me to say Thank you to someone to whom those words may make a difference in their day? Encouragement - pass it on.

One last point, it reminds me of a story I heard you tell in Sydney once Kirk about a guy in a call centre (I think) you were working with who was always a little eccentric, quiet and not really all that motivated. You found out he was into surfing or something like that then one day you bought a magazine on his ‘passion’ i.e. the reason he turns up to work to make money to give him freedom to do what he loves. You were ‘in the neighbourhood’ one time and dropped in to visit and gave him the mag with some well chosen words. He was blown away and his attitude at work changed almost overnight… the quotes are great, but only when put into action.

See, I WASN’T asleep while you were talking that day!

The people working for you have knowledge and insights that you do not, so don’t dismiss their input assuming you know more.

Keep up the great work!!!!