SMALL ACTS, BIG IMPACT, GENEROUS MOMENTS

Abstract

Joe Davis, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group, who has spent nearly 37 years with the company, makes the case for small but crucial gestures of kindness, civility, good manners, politeness, and inclusion. We tend to be so distracted by smartphones and social media that we neglect interacting with our fellow human beings. He writes, “Small gestures aggregate to represent something big. They show effort, thoughtfulness, and intention; they say I’m paying attention to you.” Davis also provides quotations on these subjects by his colleague Geraldine Rhodes, Manager Director and Partner at BCG; and Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer/CEO of United Airlines. Davis notes that “taking the time to write a note of gratitude may have a lasting impact; any email or text will work to express your gratitude for those who helped you organize an event, accomplish a goal, or beat a sales forecast.” He cites research about the benefits derived from small gestures in happiness and stress reduction. Further suggestions: “You can honor people and show interest through notes, emails, texts, phone calls, announcements, or gifts. You can recognize people on their birthdays or when a new baby is born.”