Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have become true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
— Sir Francis Drake
After bringing our drink orders to the table, the waitress, without missing a beat, politely informed us about the specials for the day without looking at her notes. I was impressed, and told her so. It was an honest response to what I observed. At the same time, I think the feedback surprised her.
Even though she was just doing her job, she was appreciative. So much so that she smiled and went on to explain that she had been struggling with the long list of items earlier. Those few words seemed to make her day and provided her with a sense of accomplishment.
The power of observation and taking a moment, even a minute, to provide feedback, say thank you or express your appreciation can make a lasting difference. It can change a person's life, his attitude and possibly influence him to keep trying. The impact can also last far beyond the moment, as Steve Goodier shares in his book, "One Minute Can Change Your Life."
During his college years, Sherman Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging camp. Once, when the superintendent had to leave for a few days, he put Rogers in charge.
"What if the men refuse to follow my orders?" Rogers asked, thinking of Tony, an immigrant worker who grumbled and growled all day. He gave the other men a hard time. And Rogers was ready to remove the problem.
"Fire them," the superintendent said.
"I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that," he went on to say. "I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where he works."
Rogers took over the next day knowing what his boss thought about Tony. As expected, he went to Tony and spoke to him.
"Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today? I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know I'm not," he said, sharing with him what the superintendent had said about his reliability.
When he finished, Tony dropped the shovelful of sand he had held and tears streamed down his face. He wanted to know why he wasn't told that eight years ago.
That day Tony worked harder than ever before — and he smiled! He later said to Rogers that he told his wife Rogers was the first foreman in America who ever said "Good work, Tony," and it made his wife feel like Christmas.
Rogers went back to school after that summer, and 12 years later he met Tony again. He was now superintendent for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers wanted to know how he came to California and happened to have such success. Tony said that if it had not been for Rogers' little chat with him that day, he would have killed somebody. The chat changed his whole life, he said.
In one minute you can thank someone for doing a good job. It's a deposit that can yield positive, impactful returns. You can write a note of thanks telling a person what you sincerely appreciate about him or elaborate on something that impressed you.
Make it a great year. Enjoy the journey. And, look for the bright spots.
PS: On Sunday, I decided to write a thank-you note each day this year. My note today is to you — the reader — for investing your time reading what I share. I appreciate you. Happy New Year!
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