Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be just for lovers. There may be other sweethearts in your life. Look around. Who is happy to see you, brightens your day, or makes your life easier or more fulfilling?
This Valentine’s day, I saw a clever post and video on Facebook from my daughter-n-law, Sara Slimp-McCoy. She works for Our House, a non-profit in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, that empowers homeless and near-homeless families and individuals.
In the Our House video, that Sara shared, a co-worker is seen presenting a wrapped present to a co-worker they appreciate. Then the present is passed from that co-worker along to someone they appreciate. The box is empty; it’s the sentiment that’s the gift.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
After watching Sara’s post, I jumped into action to create the same act of appreciation for our company, Flagandbanner.com. I hurriedly wrapped a box, taped a doily to the top and wrote the words LOVE, APPRECIATE, ACCEPT.
It just so happened, on this Valentine day, we were having our monthly celebratory employee lunch for having reached our prior month’s sales goals. While everyone was gathered to eat, I enthusiastically began the gift giving game. It was FUN. I gave it to our new-comer, Ashley, who has been expanding our FlagandBanner and Up In Your Business YouTube channels. She gave it to her manager and so on, until everyone at the company had been recognized. The giving of the gift was as much for the giver as the receiver.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ?Winston S. Churchill
We all know reflection and appreciation should be part of our daily ritual, but complacency is all too easy. Like making a gratitude list, passing the appreciation box brightened our day and reminded us how lucky we are.
That was a sweetheart of an idea. Team building and lifting morale is an important part of leadership. Thank you, Sara.
If you’d like to read more from Kerry, subscribe to the blog. To see a list of her interviews with prominent and inspiring figures go to the Up In Your Business YouTube Channel or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. Be sure to subscribe there for weekly updates.
