Go Ahead – Make My Day

It takes so little to make someone’s day! Just a little acknowledgment or recognition, a simple compliment, or even an unexpected smile can mean more than you’d ever expect. While I am especially talking about making someone’s day in the workplace, it’s a great thing to do anywhere!

I was walking through the grocery store shortly after my husband died, trying to find some enthusiasm for dinner when a lady stopped me and said, “That is a beautiful shirt you have on, it’s perfect with your coloring.” I can’t explain what a lift that gave me. It was even more wonderful because she made it a personal remark, mentioning not that it was simply a pretty top, but that it looked good on ME.

I returned the favor a day later when a teenager in a department store was complaining about being “too tall and gawky”, I turned and said, “Honey, you aren’t gawky, you are graceful and willowy, us short people never wear clothes as well as taller people do, be grateful.” She just beamed at me.

Receiving compliments take away our insecurities, even if just for a few moments. We feel good about ourselves. Actually, giving compliments feels pretty good, too. I think it’s impossible to make someone’s day without making your own more special in the process.

It’s so easy, we can almost always find something about a person that we like. Even the most demanding customer will respond to a kind remark.  Tell someone you like their voice, or that their staff members are always so helpful, or that they must have a wonderful company because when you talk to their customers they seem so happy. When you can give a sincere compliment people will remember you, or at least associated kindness with the company you work for, and that is a good thing.

If you are a supervisor it’s especially important to recognize good work and to give compliments and recognition. But if you aren’t a supervisor – it still works. In fact, compliment your supervisor, as you climb the ladder of responsibility, there are fewer people above you to give you praise and acknowledgment. It’s nice to hear you are doing a good job. When one of my co-workers told me that I made her job easier, it meant a lot to me. When I told my Mom that I would never have become the successful business person I am if it had not been for her example, she cried.

All it takes to make someone’s day is to appreciate them, and tell them so! So tell your co-worker that having her there makes your day a little nicer. Go home and tell your kids that you think they are sweet and kind and fun to be around, tell your spouse that you can’t imagine life without their support. I guarantee the looks on their faces will make your day, too!