Good morning, Leaders! It’s Friday!

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Roman Philosopher and Statesman
107 B.C. – 43 B.C.

Thank You. Two words.
While in Boston last week, I joined some of my Team during a pizza lunch before leaving for the week. Right before exiting, the senior staffer who started the office said to me in hush tones, “Are you going to say a few words?” …which isn’t really a question but I recognize a well placed rhetorical. (Kind of like, “Would you like a breath mint?”… There is only one answer.) To which I replied, “Maybe a couple”. His New England quit wit came right back with, “I hope it’s not ‘You’re fired’.” Not at all. It was …Thank You.

Thank You. Three times.
My dear wife Carole has been following Wayne Dyer for a while now and his recent passing was sad for both of us. His humility, approach and testament to living a peaceful, spiritual life has made a difference in our lives. After his passing, his company made one of his latest movies (The Shift) available for viewing online. As we watched it together, one scene showed him waking up and once he sat upright, he said “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” The very first words out of his mouth. What a great way to start the day!

Thank You. It’s contagious.
When I arrived in Fargo last Friday, it was raining. I flew the last leg on the tiniest jet in the fleet so even my international carry-on-sized roller wouldn’t fit. I had to gate check it which usually means waiting for the bag to come through the luggage carousel, a ritual I have been less than enthused about for some time now and have taken extensive steps to avoid. I was preparing to stand by the carousel for a duration eerily similar to the length of the last flight, patience spent. To my surprise, here is one of the ground crew bringing up the gate-checked carry ons to the jet bridge in a rain slicker. Even my crusty faced, travel weary carcass couldn’t help but say, “Thank You!” She looked at me with a bit of a surprise like I’m just doing my job, but the rain is kind of a pain, flashed a big smile and said “Thank You!” right back.

What two words expressing a genuine sentiment can have more of an impact?

I appreciate what you are doing.
I appreciate what you did.
I appreciate who you are.
I recognize your contributions.
I honor your efforts.
I empathize with your plight and even if it’s in your position description and you get compensated for it, I’m glad you are here providing this service.
I love you.

I can’t even comprehend what it would be like if you started a revolution today with an attitude of gratitude. No judgement… just appreciation, noble intent and love.

No time like the present.

Have a blessed weekend!…and Thank You for reading, commenting and forwarding.