Fearless Change Patterns for Introducing New Ideas

Just Say Thanks

A friend of mine was laid off from a large company where he had worked for nearly 30 years. I saw him after his last day and he said that the worst thing about the experience was that no one, not even his boss, had come by to say they would miss him or that they appreciated his work. I thought about my last day when I was laid off. I recall a constant stream of people coming by to share a brief story— how something I had done or said had influenced their lives for the better and how I had made a difference for them and the company. I don’t remember sadness on that day but an overwhelming gladness at having had the chance to work in that company with those people— and all they did was just say “Thanks!”

To show your appreciation, ...