Last week I received a text out of the blue from a client that I advised almost 2 years ago. She wanted to come and tell me how my advice had had such a profound effect on her life between then and now.  She brought a beautiful bunch of flowers but the gift I enjoyed the most was the sparkle in her eyes as she told her story and explained how happy and grateful she is every day.  I had believed in her and she took action on that basis.  Her energy was electric.

She had been through tough times but reminded me to focus on what you want, not what you don’t want and you will attract more positive things; a lesson that I learned from reading The Secret by Rhonda Byrne a few years ago but I certainly benefitted from the reminder.

All too often as People Managers, we are frustrated that sales, performance, attendance, attitude or productivity could be better and we lose sight of what we have achieved and everything that we could be grateful for.

Take a moment to reflect on your team’s performance recently.  It could be over the past week, month, quarter or year.  What has gone well?  Who do you feel compelled to thank?  Go do it.  It feels great to receive praise and recognition, particularly when it is unexpected.

Sometimes the most simple acts are the most appreciated.