I have the great opportunity to teach a Leadership course at a local Business College. I really enjoy getting to know the students and listening to the insights that they have as we learn. All of my students have been amazing.

A few semesters ago I was leading a discussion about “what makes a great leader.” One of my students from India raised her hand and shared a story of a leader who she admired. She worked in a call center and was at her desk typing some notes in her computer from her last call. She heard someone sit down in the chair next to her and he asked her what she was doing. Without looking, thinking that it was a supervisor, she explained her last call and that she was documenting the conversation. She turned and was surprised to find not a supervisor, but that Michael Dell sitting next to her. Michael Dell is the founder and CEO of the company she worked for – Dell Technologies, one of the world's largest technology infrastructure companies. As she told the story in class, her voice cracked a bit as she shared how he expressed appreciation to her for her work and how important it was to the success of the company.

Here is one of the richest men in the world, taking time to share with a call center worker in India his appreciation and how he valued the work she was doing. I don’t know a lot about Michael Dell, but that story brings a tear to my eye every time I share it (and I share it a lot). As leaders, parents, human beings – showing sincere appreciation and taking the time to say thank you is so important. It makes a difference in people’s lives. It has impact. It builds commitment and loyalty. Who can you show appreciation to today?