Those are pretty simple words, well done.
Two words. Eight letters. Easy to say. Simple.
Odd, then, that it doesn’t get said as much as it could be.
I’m creating a huge power system in ‘The Circle’ series where everyone has to deliver in their role under the very exacting eye of the people above them and I had to work hard to create this world where people at each strata in the society did their duty because they not only believed in the cause but because they have a real fear of those above them. Every day, the various different people going about their business behind the scenes within the story carry on but under the fear of what a potential failure could mean for them.
Can you imagine doing that?
You don’t hear anything positive about what you’re doing on a day to day basis, it’s just the expectation that you do what you’re paid for perfectly, and if you’re just doing what you’re supposed to be doing, why should you expect anything to be said as thanks? That then leaves you in the position of only having anything said to you if you’re less than perfect in any way.
It’s a small, but central point in The Circle books, of how an outsider recognises the life that is being led by others and tries to both fit in while also affecting change. I’ve seen similar happen in the real world so it became an interesting way of examining the human condition.
Each and every one of us knows just how good it feels to be told that we did something well, or that we’re appreciated, but it’s also something that I’m pretty sure everyone would also say that they don’t hear enough. Just being told that you did well in something is deeply gratifying far beyond just being about that specific task. It means that someone thought that you did well, like you proved your value, and chasing away any possible fears people have regarding their worth can be the very first step to helping everyone stand a little straighter and feel a bit better.
Each and every one of us does well all of the time, making some mistakes as we go but on the most part being good, but that fact so easily gets overlooked when we all just want to judge everyone.
Thanks for reading my thoughts each week, I appreciate each and every one of you.
Well done all.
Owen Elgie 