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In Orchestrating Attitude, I discuss that all changes, whether it’s a change you initiate at work or a worldwide initiative to end poverty, start with one – one person, one thought, one word, one action.
Contrary to the lyrics from a classic rock song, one is not the loneliest number. It’s the most important number!
Many people used to feel that one vote in an election couldn’t really make a difference. Well, recent presidential elections that have been decided by razor-thin margins have proven them wrong. A single act does make a difference… it creates a ripple effect that can be felt many miles and people away. Help one colleague, raise expectations for teamwork. Encourage one service rep, improve a customer’s experience. Take one moment to help a distraught friend, build loyalty forever.
This simple poem helps us see the potential of our power of one:
One
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom.
One heart can know what’s true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it’s up to You!
Don’t ever forget how very important you are!
We all make a difference every day – one way or another. It takes the same amount of time to make a positive difference as it does to make a negative difference. It only takes a small act to turn someone’s day from awful to awesome. Our goal is not to change the entire world, but to change the world of those whose paths we cross.
You change the world of an employee whom you encourage after a tough day. You change the world of a customer whose problem you handle in a hassle-free manner. You change the world of your boss by sending him a note of appreciation. You change the world of the mailroom clerk when you ask about his family. You change the world of the person whom you let take the good parking space you could have had. You change the day of the store clerk whom you look in the eye and sincerely ask about her day.
Multiply your power of one today!