In a busy, busy world it's tempting to believe we don't have time for some powerful, key words:
Thank you. As in: thank you for producing such a great report under difficult conditions, Lucy.
Please . As in: please summarise for us, Tom.
Sorry. As in: so as a board we are sorry we put such pressure on the work-force when it was clear our targets were unrealistic.
nor some powerful behaviours:
Of help. As in: here, let me help you with those boxes.
Of empathy. As in: hey, let me get rid of this laptop and let's talk it through.
Of enthusiasm. As in: Vipul, great meeting. Not a single PowerPoint slide. Well done!
Politeness+sensitivity=remarkable positive change in people.
