Every year, my neighborhood hosts a picnic. It’s a chance for us to come together, share a meal, and catch up. There are always fun things for the kids to do, like bouncy houses and face painting.
This year, the Balloon Man was the main attraction. He creates magic by twisting long balloons into fun animals. The kids loved it. They swarmed around him as he tried his best to remember who was next in a non-existent line of eager hands.
I was chatting with one of the moms while her 6-year-old daughter was waiting for her balloon animal. The little girl came up to us, delighted with her cat balloon. Her mom asked if she said thank you and encouraged her to go back and share her appreciation.
I remember being 6. I was shy and would have been so embarrassed to go back up and say thank you. This girl was no different. All she wanted to do was play with her friends.
Her mom told her it was important to let the man know how much she appreciated what he’d created for her. So, the mom gently took her daughter’s hand and approached him. The mom got his attention in the sea of waiting children.
The girl thanked him and he responded, “You are so welcome, sweetie.” It was an endearing exchange that lasted only a few seconds, but you could tell it was significant to the artist that this girl made the effort to acknowledge his work.
That small exchange stayed with me.
When we pause to say thank you, it lets the person know their actions make a difference. It tells them they matter – that their effort, however simple, has value.
For leaders, business owners, and teams, that same principle holds incredible power. Gratitude builds connection. It boosts morale, strengthens relationships, and encourages people to bring their best selves to work.
The Balloon Man made bending and twisting balloons look easy. And for him, it probably was. But that ease came from talent, repetition, and care, like any skill you bring to your work. When you allow your talents to shine, no matter how simple, you make the world a better place for everyone in it. And when you’re able to recognize someone else’s effort and verbalize it, you remind them their contribution is meaningful. It helps them feel important and reinforces that their unique gifts and talents are needed in the world.
A culture of appreciation doesn’t just feel good; it drives trust, creativity, and long-term success.
So, the next time someone helps you, inspires you, or simply makes your day a little easier, pause to say thank you. Let them know:
- They matter.
- They are seen.
- Their work has an impact.
It might take only a few seconds, but those few seconds can change someone’s day, and, over time, shape the kind of team and community where everyone feels valued.
Gratitude is a simple leadership tool, but it’s one that strengthens every part of a business. If you’re looking to cultivate a stronger, more engaged team, start with two small words that carry enormous power: Thank you.