I really enjoyed Steve’s post a short while ago when he implored us to listen more. The very next day I was going to an informal meeting when I bumped into a colleague to whom I confessed I’d been so busy I wasn’t really sure what I was going to say. He said “Don’t say anything – just listen”. It was one of the best meetings we’d ever had.

Along the same lines I was saying to my wife that I did some work for someone who thanked me and even in my relatively senior role I found this really uplifting. This made me question whether I express my gratitude enough. I was thinking particularly about my PA with whom I work every day. I was trying to list how this person helps me and without whom I can deliver very little. I very soon had a long list – hence the reference in the title! She manages my diary, papers, meetings etc. so without her good offices I couldn’t even get to the starting line each day. So I have resolved to say thanks more.

Leadership nudge: Who do you need to thank for their engagement in your working life? Don’t just think about it. Do it!

By Rob Wilson