Think about all of the leaders for whom you have worked. I don’t just mean casually think about it, really think about it. Write them on a sheet of paper. Or name them in your mind. Carson. Warren. Vince. Bob. Gerry. Kevin. Mike. Gary. Don. Meredith. I could add a lot more – I had A LOT of jobs when I was young! When you were thinking through your list of names, I bet some triggered unkind thoughts because of how little they added to your life, but others gave you pause because of how great they were – how they added energy, value, and positivity to your life. What’s fascinating is how many positions I could remember but could not recall for whom I had worked. That says a lot about those leaders.
If you want to be favorably remembered by those you now lead, consider doing these five things – every day.
1. Thank someone every day.
Really simple – find someone who is doing a good job or did something special. Even if it is something small. Small things matter too. Find them and thank them. It’s amazing how often we forget to do this and how great it feels to others when we acknowledge them.
2. Help someone every day.
We moved into new offices a few months ago, and they are fantastic. But getting here successfully took a lot of help from a number of people. Helping is powerful because it is so tangible. So, who can you help today? Provide help on a project. Solve a problem. Give additional resources. Whatever the “it” is, be helpful. It will be remembered.
3. Encourage someone every day.
Do you realize how bad people feel most days? It may not be visible, but, on the inside, they are carrying the stresses of life and work. Family and finances. Health and hurt. An encouraging word or action can provide fuel for another hour or another day. A cupcake on the desk. A note of appreciation. It will be remembered.
4. Pray for someone every day.
Over 70% of people in the United States pray at least weekly. So, if you are reading this, the odds are that you periodically pray. While it may be a stretch to pray for someone daily, give it a try. Most people, even those with little religious connection, appreciate someone praying for them, especially when life gets tough and the pressures are squeezing in from all sides.
5. Be grateful for something every day.
This one is different than the others. It focuses on the way we think, not just what we do. And it matters so much because when we consider what we are grateful for every day, it changes our attitude, increases our joy, and reduces our negativity. And that will be remembered.
Contact us to learn how our experienced coaches can help you have a positive impact on your team and organization.
Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.
