Do you feel like you have a choice? A choice to make someone elses day better?, a choice to make a positive impact.

Make your choice.

1. Decide today is the day – you want to make special…this is easy.
2. The special could be about you – but let’s make it about others.
3. Actions – take actions with each contact – to make the day different ‘special’ and about them.

Confused – why not try this….you get to the office, usually you fill up your cup or get your water/pop and head back to your desk…today adjust….ask your co-worker – if they need a coffee/pop/water – you’re headed that way you could pick theirs up.

Your phone rings – a coworker needs something, your usual response is professional and warm – but this time, you remember to ask them about something that is important to them; they’re training for a 10K, they just had a baby, or they were working on huge project….ask how the training is going? Be interested in them.

The boss is tense, his/her schedule is packed…you have your usual weekly meeting…try asking if you could help them out with a specific project to ease the load…anticipate and have some empathy – being the boss isn’t always the best job.

When you’re in the checkout line, and a frazzled person is behind you, let them go ahead – the rewards of their surprise and smile is well worth the extra few minutes.

Your family dog meets you at the door, with the same warm kind eyes and a certain smile that only some dogs have…. take the leash out and reward their friendship with a walk and a conversation.

Life finds us all frazzled, and so keyed into results and ‘our worlds’. Remember what makes us truly different is the connections and the gratitude we can share with others. The decision is yours, each day, each action. People crave sincere engagement with coworkers, bosses, employees, spouses and the family dog. I would bet some will read this blog, and shake their head – questioning how does this matter to leadership? I’ll stand firm in the belief that caring, kindness, consideration is in fact a key ingredient to great leaders. They are the givers…not the takers in society, in life and in leadership. They lead as a servant leader, and leave an imprint that is positive on their employees, customers and community. The great leaders make a choice and don’t wait for a chance.

Connect with a leadership coach at www.lighthouse-leadership.com Curious about developing your own Elegant Courage™, or what Elegant Courage™ is? Drop a line to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it