Better Together
July 29, 2026
A few weeks ago, I started going to a new coffee shop. Next to the counter was a cooler of cold drinks, and taped to the side was a sign. It invited people to take a Post-it note with a positive message if they needed a little encouragement. There were dozens of notes filled with kind and uplifting words.
As I looked more closely, I noticed something even more meaningful. Alongside those notes were receipts. People had prepaid for coffee so that a stranger could enjoy one for free. If you were feeling a little “meh” that day, you could pick up one of those receipts and enjoy a cup of coffee on someone else’s kindness.
Week after week, I watched the cooler fill with more receipts. What began as a small gesture had turned into a virtuous cycle—an ever-growing chain of generosity where people noticed a good thing happening and added to it.
What struck me most was the simplicity. These were strangers. No one knew who would take what, or when. Yet the cycle built momentum, becoming a bigger expression of community and goodwill.
That’s the power of a ripple effect. You never know when you’re the first to start something that spreads. Even a small action—whether it’s paying for a coffee, giving recognition at work, or offering help—can inspire others to do the same.
Leaders can use the same principle to strengthen their teams and organizations. Here are three practical ways:
- Start with recognition. Publicly acknowledge someone’s contribution, even if it seems small. Recognition is contagious and encourages others to look for positive moments, too.
- Model generosity. Share your time, resources, or ideas without expecting something in return. When leaders give freely, teams often mirror that spirit.
- Create space for others to build. Like the coffee shop cooler, set up opportunities where people can add their own contributions—whether it’s a board for peer-to-peer shoutouts, a rotating “thank-you” spotlight, or a shared win wall.
You never know when your action will be the first spark that inspires a chain reaction. And often, that ripple effect is exactly what strengthens a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth.
