Kind Acts That Made Someone’s Day: A Personal Insight
Looking back on my journey as a CEO, there are certain moments that stand out as the ones where I truly made a difference. These acts, though seemingly small, often had profound impacts on the lives of those around me. In this piece, I will share a few stories of kind acts that made someone’s day, both unexpected and surprising.
A Sneaky Promotion
During my tenure as the Founder and CEO of a large private company, I was deeply committed to serving my employees and ensuring their growth and happiness. One morning, I had coffee with one of our maintenance staff. He casually mentioned that our CFO was struggling to handle the rapid growth we were experiencing. I asked him what suggestions he had. Unbeknownst to me, he suggested that I could promote him to the role of Vice President of Administration for a month. I decided to run the idea by my wife, and she supported the idea. The next day, during our coffee meeting, I formally announced his promotion, not only changing his role but also his pay. He instantly stepped into a seven-figure salary. Reflecting back, this decision was one of the best I’ve ever made. I’ve never regretted it.
Surprising a Friend with a Stuffed Ape
During my college days, I had a close friend who adored stuffed animals. One day, while shopping, I found a large stuffed great ape. I purchased it without saying a word. The next day, I suggested that we go see a movie, asking her to save a seat but to save it in a different section so she wouldn’t be waiting for me. Sneaking in behind her, I placed the ape in her seat. When she turned to see the ape, I watched in amusement as she was visibly shocked and scared. Small acts like these not only bring joy but also bring unexpected moments of amusement in one’s life.
Secretly Supporting a Colleague in Need
Mother’s Day came with a special reminder for me. I had worked alongside a woman with two children in the same age range as my own boys, who were in high school. Her children were stars, which put pressure on her to always highlight their accomplishments. Her husband was also unkind to her and she lived every day trying to prove herself through her children. On that day, I remembered her mentioning that she had never received flowers. I purchased a large bouquet from a florist and sent it to her workplace anonymously with a card that read, “To a beautiful mother from a secret admirer.” She was so excited and grateful, and for weeks, it visibly lifted her spirits. This secret act of kindness not only made her day but also taught me a valuable lesson about the power a simple act of support can have on someone’s life.
Reflecting on these stories, I believe that regardless of our roles in life, we can all find ways to make someone’s day brighter. Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the importance of empathy and the positive impact small acts of kindness can have. We should all strive to be more considerate and supportive in our daily interactions.