“We look into mirrors but we only see the effects of our times on us—not our effects on others.” ~ Pearl Bailey
My family and I were moving with the crowd of fans toward the entrance gate of a minor league baseball game. From the distance I heard someone calling out my name. I stopped and waited for the young lady and her family to catch up with us. When I trained customer service representatives in a call center, she had been one of my students whom I had not seen in over five years. We were happy to see each other and re-connect. She thanked me for having such a positive influence on her confidence and career, grateful that I believed in her abilities even when she did not believe or see them herself. Thanking me for all the encouragement I had given her, she then explained how she had earned a promotion at work and had become a team leader. I will always hold dear to my heart her words, “If it weren’t for you, I would never have had the confidence to pursue the leadership position.”
I was truly blessed to learn how I had made a positive impact on my former student’s life. Often we never have the privilege to see the positive effects we have had on others. She gave me a precious gift that day by just telling me the impact my efforts created for her.
When was the last time you acknowledged or thanked someone for the positive impact they had on you and your development? Regardless of the significance, take time to let people know how they have inspired you. That thankfulness is one of the greatest gifts you can give to inspire them.