A few words that lasted 30 years

I had one of those conversations last week that stayed with me.

I was catching up with someone I worked with over 30 years ago. As we reminisced, she said something I never expected.

"I still have the card you wrote to thank me about the role I played on the culture change project we worked together on."

Thirty years later.

I was genuinely touched.

At the time, I had simply wanted her to know how much I appreciated her contribution. I had no idea those few handwritten words would mean enough for her to keep them all these years.

It reminded me why I love this quote by Mark Twain:

How often do we underestimate the power of genuine appreciation?

I've just finished reading “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi (a wonderful book if you haven't read it). One of the characters, Theo, is an 86-year-old man who buys old portraits and returns them to the people in the paintings. What I love most about him is the way he notices people's qualities simply by studying their portraits and then tells them. He doesn't offer empty praise. He sees something good in people and takes the time to say it.

That, to me, is wise leadership.

Noticing.

Appreciating.

Taking the time to tell someone the difference they made.

We often think people already know they're valued.

Sometimes they don't.

And sometimes, a few sincere words become something they carry with them for years.

This week's conversation reminded me that we never really know the impact we're having on others.

So here's a small challenge. Think of one person who has made a difference to you recently.

Don't just think it. Tell them.

You never know... they might still be talking about it 30 years from now.

Perhaps that's the real gift of appreciation. We think we're giving someone a compliment for a moment. They may carry it for a lifetime.