Say what you ought to say before you can’t

Say what you ought to say before you can’t. None of us are guaranteed any tomorrows, so who do you need to say ‘thank you’ to today?

video transcript

A few weeks ago, a former colleague of mine passed away very unexpectedly. They were just a few years older than me, had recently retired, and was traveling the world. In just a few days, they went from “I don’t feel well” to gone.

None of us know how many days we have left.

It occurred to me that I never told them what an impact they’d had on my career. Once upon a time, I joined a company that they were already at and well established as among the best in what they did. On paper, we were colleagues and professional friends, but they were also an example of what I thought greatness should look like: from their approachability … to their intellect … and the quiet confidence that let them steer most conversations that they were invited to. Their example is what I’ve tried to grow into.

But I never made it a priority to tell them that.

And now I’ve realized there’s probably 10-12 other folks whom I also owe a similar word of ‘thanks’ because they probably don’t know how big an impact on me … professionally or personally … colleagues, management, family, friends …

Perhaps, a name or two or five came up for you as well? So, your suggested homework is the same as mine – take a few minutes, please: as a text … an e-mail … a LinkedIn DM … an offer for a Teams/Zoom catchup … whatever. Don’t wait for something formal or random meeting, just let them know that they had an impact on you before you don’t have that opportunity.

No one knows how many tomorrows that each of us get, so do it today.

And (I hope) to see you next Monday