In the day-to-day grind, it's easy to become jaded. You interact with people who under-deliver, who are unnecessarily difficult, or who simply don't seem to care.

I recently shared a quick thought about acknowledging positive experiences when working with others, prompted by the growing frequency of negative interactions that seem to overshadow the good. The thought stuck with me.

These effects of these negative experiences tend to accumulate and start to colour your perception of the world around you. Then, every once in a while, you come across someone who just gets it. Someone who does their job well and is genuinely pleasant to work with. It's rare, almost startling, and it will make your whole day.

Have I become too cynical? I know I have a bit of a sarcastic edge, but have always thought of it more as playful venting than a genuine outlook.

After dealing with enough poor experiences, the bar for professionalism and basic decency keeps sinking lower. So when you find someone who actually does their job with competence and courtesy, it feels like an anomaly. An encounter that's worthy of praise simply because it's so uncommon.

And in that moment you realise that this should be the norm, not the exception.

We've all been there; dealing with frustrating service providers, clients who don't value your time, or partners who fail to follow through. It's almost as if the standard for "good enough" has become far too low. So when you find someone who's reliable, respectful, and genuinely makes an effort, it's refreshing.

Here's the kicker: it's also quite sad.

The fact that these positive interactions stand out so much should give us pause. Good, professional behaviour and positive interpersonal interactions should be the baseline!

That's why when you come across someone who goes above and beyond, it's worth acknowledging. Not because it's a rare occurrence, but because we should be rewarding and reinforcing the kind of behaviour we want to see more of.

A simple "thank you" or a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way. It's not about grand gestures.

It's about recognising that, in a world where so many fall short, someone has the integrity to do it right.

So, next time you encounter someone who behaves professionally, or with kindness, take a moment to let them know. It's a small thing, but it can make all the difference.

A little recognition for doing it right goes a long way.

And for goodness' sake, make sure you're setting the right example yourself! Be courteous, and do a good job. We'll all be better for it.

Stephen