The Crazy Simple Life

There are good people doing good work everywhere. Have you noticed these people in your life? A really great server, a kind bank teller, a talented masseuse, or a friendly cashier at a local store can be found on a daily basis when we take the time to notice.

I’m often “busy in my head” throughout the day while doing my errands, but a professional person who has helped me cross an item off my to-do list can make all the difference. So I have decided to intentionally give positive feedbackregularly.

The feedback doesn’t have to be a grand declaration of an employee being the greatest thing on earth since dark chocolate. It can be just a simple appreciation for a job well-done. And don’t we all like to hear that from time to time?

After experiencing a lovely person, I make a point to call their manager and say, "Christy was an excellent server yesterday! I just want you to know how much I appreciated her professionalism while we dined at your restaurant last night."

Or I write a happy review on a comment card. Or I write a positive review on Yelp. Or I send an email to the company’s human resources department so they can pass it on to the correct manager.

It’s easy, fairly quick, and can do wonders for someone’s day. That’s a win-win-win. Not to mention, it also gives me a boost of feel-good energy to know I created some happy vibes for other people.

A few essentials for leaving positive feedback:

- Be specific about what you enjoyed, appreciated, and liked. Assume the manager will share this feedback with other employees.

- Speak to a manager, superior or boss. Let them know their employees are contributing to a positive experience for clients.

- Reference the employee(s) by name, ideally first and last.

- Include when you visited to show this is timely and relevant feedback.

Can you think of anyone that you want to compliment lately? Just being open to this possibility can open your eyes to lovely people and their great work.