How a few words can change a life

Sam Leader A friend described to me today how his 23 year old son turned a corner just recently when working in a computer shop. Alistair was bursting with technical knowledge yet really lacked confidence. This all changed after he gave some advice to a customer whose daughter was starting uni.

"She'll need this, and this. This is optional, but she won’t need that." he told her. By the end of the discussion, the customer was sold and she complimented Alistair hugely for his help in making a difficult job so much easier.

As a result of this feedback, Alistair's confidence bloomed. He has now completed a computer science course and has developed a strong sense that the world is his oyster. It may not be totally due to the customer's feedback, but the experience was undoubtedly a catalyst.

Positive feedback acts like fast-grow fertiliser.

However, many of us fail to express gratitude when it's deserved. Often we are too wrapped up in our own worlds to verbally appreciate good treatment from others.

A little bit of praise goes such a long way. We forget how fragile others are, and how much of a positive impact our words can have.

So next time you feel grateful, say it! Who doesn't like to hear that their input is valued? Here at Flying Solo, we never tire of receiving favourable feedback.

I'm not talking about being phoney or sucking up to people. I just mean next time someone has helped you out, say that you appreciate it. It may be that you've received great service, but you may also want to thank a partner or a friend for helping you through a tough time, or for making life more fun.

You may not realise how powerful your words of gratitude are.

What do you think? Share your thoughts and experiences by posting a comment.

Until next week.

Love your work,

Sam Leader is a director of Flying Solo and its editor. She is the co-author of Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business.

Published 23 January 07
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19 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 4 | Next» View all»

I could not agree with you more Sam.
Thanks again for the great insight. Its good to know there are like minded people out there!
Cheers!
Matt Matt Anderson from Carrum Downs, Australia
So very true, this is a great article Sam, thank you :)! I strongly believe in thanking and encouraging others, such little words that can make such a big difference for others and remind them that they -are- wonderful, because when you don't hear it you begin to not believe it! Harmony from Newcastle, Australia
I use this opportunity to thank you for a great newsletter which I have been receiving regularly for some time. I always enjoy and appreciate the advice on various issues relevant to all small business owners. I wish you continued success. Mary Jordon, Xpress Online Secretarial Svcs from Melbourne
Nice sentiment, Sam - and so true! Often when you pay a compliment to someone else - if genuine - you end up feeling better too. Megan Hills from Brisbane | Read my articles
Could not agree with you more. I am just starting a business myself and the few clients I work on have already commented on my online marketing service. It's amazing how much confidence this gives to me! Russell Easther from Melbourne
I've been in business almost 13 years and still get very little 'good' feedback. I know I do a good job and I know my clients appreciate it but they don't tell me very often. However, when they do, it invariably comes at a time when I really badly need to hear it, i.e. on a bad day or when I'm wondering whether it's worth it all - thankfully few and far between. I love what I do and if the clients make sure they let me know they appreciate it, then that's all the better! Kathie Thomas, A Clayton's Secretary from Melbourne

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