Motivate Others the Easy Way – with Compliments and Thank Yous!

So, a few years ago, when I was the Circle K District Administrator for Georgia, I was sitting at Sunday morning’s breakfast at the Kiwanis Family Service Leadership Programs conference in Arlington, TX. I had enjoyed a great weekend of motivation, planning, and enthusiasm — as a participant — and was thinking about my flight home.

I looked up from my coffee and biscuits and gravy and noticed one of the presenters from the day before at the next table. She had led us in a powerful interactive session at the end of the day. People tend to get a little silly and unruly after a long day and Jane had done a masterful job of keeping everyone together and focused on the activity at hand. I decided I would compliment her when we got out of the breakfast program.

The program was nearly over and door prizes were being given out when Jane looked my way and smiled. Then she noticed my name tag and, with a look of surprise, said, “Are you Gonzo?”

I was a little surprised myself. I got my composure together and responded with the most profound thing I could think to say: “Yes.”

“I love your newsletter. It is awesome. Keep up the great work!” [BTW, it is called “Gonzo’s Motivation Newsletter” and you can subscribe by clicking here]

Do you know what Cloud 9 feels like? I do, because I was on it at that very moment.

I did get a chance to talk with Jane after the program and it was like running into an old friend. We chatted for quite a while and I found that she had been a professional speaker and facilitator for a number of years. And yet, she was so complimentary of my work and good things she had heard about me. When I walked away from our conversation, I know my feet had to be a couple of feet off the floor.

You can motivate others by taking just a few seconds to compliment them. And thank you is a compliment. Do it with enthusiasm and you will really make someone’s day.

It is the little things in life that we do that can mean the most. Who do you know who could use a compliment today?

And, in case you didn’t know, I appreciate you for being here and reading this blog. I am humbled by the good words people send me and grateful that you allow me a little window into your world. You are my source of inspiration.

Would you like this kind of inspiration and motivation for your students? I would love to come to your school and work with your students. Check out all of my programs for college and university students on my program page and then email me at DaveKelly@GonzoSpeaks.com or call me at 770-552-6592 to set up a program for your campus. I’m pretty sure you’ll be glad you did.

Booking me will not break the bank – check out my Affordable Pricing Model for a quote! I look forward to serving your students!