Paying it Forward

In the first half of this week, I had some chance encounters with good people, during which I saw the positive side of humanity and vowed to pay it forward.

The first involved a wonderful woman who saw someone was not allowing me to park (NYC parking is a gauntlet) and stopped her car to make sure I could get in. We ended up chatting through another light - where I thanked her profusely and she told me if we could do something to make someone's day easier we should do it.

The second was on the subway yesterday heading to an event where I was emotional after hearing some not-so-great news. A fellow rider noticed and handed me a pack of tissues. This small gesture made me smile through the tears and she does not know it, but it immediately comforted me. Sometimes a small action such as this means the world to the person on the receiving end.

The last encounter was at UJA-Federation of New York's Smart Women, Smart Conversations event, where we heard from Emma Silverman, of TMV, who spoke about the power of helping someone even when you are not hiring for their role. It does not cost much to invite them out for coffee or a drink, review their resume, or make an introduction to a contact who can help them, but it has a tremendous impact. This is something that I have practiced throughout my entire career, and I expect the same of those who I interact with and lead. Removing yourself from the equation, and acting selflessly is not only a kind gesture, but it could change the trajectory of someone’s life and career.

You may never know the impact that you are making, and that is uncomfortable for some, but we have to be comfortable living in the uncomfortable. At the end of the day, it is the selfless acts that pay dividends. Take that friend out for coffee, make a connection to someone who can help them along, and leave them with the task to pay it forward.