Catch people doing things right

Last week, three moments at work brought me genuine joy:

💫A colleague put in extra effort that helped ease a tense client situation. I thanked them—and CC’d not just their manager, but their manager’s manager too.

✨Another colleague was recognized for months of hard work. I sent a personal note letting them know how deserved it was.

🏆A nomination I submitted for someone going the extra mile turned into an award win!

In my role, I’m often on the receiving end of escalation calls. Spotting what’s wrong comes naturally.

But the real challenge—and the much more rewarding act—is noticing when things go right.
And when they do, telling people. (Even better: telling their leaders too.)

One quote I highlighted years ago still rings true today:

“Catch people doing things right. It’s much more powerful than collecting behaviors that are wrong.”
— Brené Brown, Dare to Lead