Why Small Gestures Make a Big Difference

Published 02.12.2024 - Michael A. Di Palma

Here’s something worth trying with our teams and colleagues: make time for those small moments of recognition.

Remember how good it feels when someone tells you, “Great job”? It’s like that little boost you get from a “like” on Instagram, but in person, it can mean so much more. In hospitality, our workdays are filled with endless tasks and small challenges that don’t often get noticed.

Consider everything a team member goes through on a typical shift: the early morning or late-night commute, carrying three plates while trying to stifle a sneeze, blending a special cocktail only for the lid to pop off, singing “Happy Birthday” for the fifteenth time, trying to keep a smile when a guest asks to share a steak, with one side rare and the other medium-well or reconciling sales when exhausted. Each shift can feel like a marathon, and our teams repeat this day in and day out.

A simple “Thank you” or “Nice work on that” can make a real impact. Praise from a manager in a shift brief or even a genuine compliment from a colleague goes a long way. Try taking a moment to notice and acknowledge a team member’s hard work or an especially tough shift. These gestures may seem small, but they’re memorable and can lift someone’s whole day.

So let’s make it a habit: recognizing each other’s efforts, pointing out a job well done, and creating a supportive culture. In the end, it’s these little moments of kindness and respect that make all the difference in our daily work.