Life moves so fast. It’s easy to miss the quiet yet important things in life.

Last week I had to race off to a meeting with a reporter. I was running late because my previous meeting had run long. I didn’t feel prepared. So, I drove as fast as I legally could to get there. I only had a few minutes to spare and my heart was pounding.

• What am I going to say?
• Do I have all the right answers?
• I hope I don’t make a fool of myself.

I walked into the building and I saw some of my staff. I said a quick hello and then raced off.

Let’s Pause

I’m a work in progress. One of the things I don’t do well sometimes is really stopping and engaging with the people around me in the moment. My employees are good about giving me feedback on that. I appreciate that because I can better see some of the moments that I fail. Before I didn’t see it at all.

So, do you see how I’m failing in this moment as I race to speak to a reporter? I’m failing to appreciate the people right in front of me who are making our company successful.

Back to the Story

The reporter showed up right on time. We started talking and really hit it off. We talked about everything from my work in virtual reality to business to quantum mechanics. It was a blast and we shared a lot of interests in common.

She was one of the best reporters I’ve spoken to. But in the back of my mind there was a quiet little voice screaming: Mike you have a fantastic staff. Make sure to let them know.

After talking to the reporter, I had to race to another meeting. But instead, I stopped. I called and asked to delay the next meeting. Then I found a quiet place to write a note that simply thanked a staff member for their incredible contribution to our company. I left the note for her.

It was about a half an hour drive to my next meeting at our main office. When I walked into the office I was greeted by the manager of the employee who I gave the note to. She thanked me for taking the time to write the note.

Life moves so fast. But stop and make a little time to appreciate the people around you. It will make a huge positive impression!