A single candle in the early morning hours
I recently stayed at one of my favorite hotels.
The hotel is staffed 24/7, but the person who works the night shift is often doing other things: preparing breakfast, working in the basement, emptying the dishwasher in the back room.
As an early morning person, when I come downstairs for my first coffee,
the lobby is typically dark. There is a small sign on the table that says “The Innkeeper will be with you shortly,” and includes a phone number to call for immediate assistance. My usual routine is to quietly make my way to the Nespresso machine, sometimes using my phone as a light.
During my recent visit, I was delighted to find something else next to the sign: a single, white candle. The candle cast a warm glow into the otherwise dark space, and immediately changed the atmosphere in the space from dark and vacant to warm and considered.
It made me think about the everyday opportunities we have as leaders to act with intention.
A brief agenda, sent before a meeting
A hand-written note or gift, for a new team member's first day
A quick meeting to align everyone on the why behind a new initiative, before jumping in
Taking a moment to remember someone's name before an upcoming interaction
Sending a care package to a team member who is navigating loss
Acting with intention does not need to be big, fancy, or expensive.
It can be as simple as a single white candle, added to the table in the lobby, and placed with care next to the sign.
What do you think?
Any small but meaningful moments of intention that you've encountered recently?
This post was originally shared via Friday Favorites —a free weekly curation of resources, reflections, and inquiries on leadership and life. Join us here, and join the weekly conversation, if you’d like.
