The Zip Line

I was on a metal cord, dangling what felt like miles above the earth. (Actually, it was several hundred feet.) As I zipped along this cord, I felt the exhilaration of the wind, the speed, and the height all coming together at once...

Somehow, I talked my wife into zip lining over the Chattahoochee River as a way of celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary. I was loving every second of the adventure, and she loved it when we arrived safely on the other side of the river.

Arriving safely was the concern. I realized that we were traveling at a high rate of speed straight toward the tower where two staff members were positioned to catch us. Amazingly, they slowed us down and guided us to safety with skill and expertise.

Upon touching land again, we both acknowledged their efforts with "thanks for doing a great job!" Both young workers immediately told us that we were the first ones to say thanks all day and that it really made them feel good.

Think about that for a minute... Two people literally have hundreds of customers' lives in their hands, and no one slows down long enough to say thank you.

This was a stark reminder to me of the overall lack of gratitude that we show as a society. It is logical that the less we show appreciation, the more our relationships on all levels will struggle. Leadership is about being willing to acknowledge the accomplishment, success, and help of others.

Taking the time to simply say "thank you" will go a long way toward impacting the lives of those you love, live with, and lead. Choose to reach out and show gratitude to others, and you will make a difference!

Dr. Larry Little, CEO