3 Things You Can Give This Holiday (That Cost Nothing)

With last year's holiday season sidelined by an ongoing global pandemic and one of the most (if not the most) divisive US elections in history, it feels like we are all primed to have a fun, festive, and freaking-well-deserved merry holiday. And while I enjoy doling out cheer more than anyone, there are just too many people due for a proper holiday gift this year.

In the past, I've written about sending corporate greeting cards and managing corporate gift giving, all in an effort to maximize the return on your time and energy from a business standpoint. What I overlooked completely, and what is more pertinent today, are the little investments that have an immeasurable impact on those who receive them.

The best part of these investments? They cost nothing but your time.

So, this holiday season, remember to generously give ...

Compliments

When I was young and just starting my career, a manager told me that he had great respect for my work ethic and that he felt I had potential in the company. I still remember the conversation indelibly. His compliment actually encouraged me to turn down head-hunting calls for the next few years as I was promoted through the organization. This one compliment had me hooked and motivated and taught me how inspiring and impactful a well-placed and well-timed compliment can be.

Credit

One of the flattering characteristics many of my role models had was their ability and willingness to dole out way more credit than they received. Even if an idea or accomplishment was theirs, credit was always given to the team or another specific individual. This was a great motivator for me.

Even now, in my management and leadership roles, I realize that every good idea or strategy is the culmination of many people's efforts and more than likely spawned from inspiration outside my network. Give someone a little credit for a job or an accomplishment, even if it's not completely deserved, and your next big idea may actually come from them.

Courage

In these times of uncertainty, people look toward stability. Today, looming COVID variants and social unrest seems to fill our news streams, so this is the time for leaders to take the stress upon their shoulders and say simply ... everything is going to be okay. Whether it's your employees, your friends, or your family, there has never been a more important time to be the rock.

It will be interesting to see how this holiday season plays out after our shared isolated holiday experience last year. Regardless, this holiday season, help others ease into 2022 by ushering in spirit that can't be bought.

A version of this article originally appeared at Inc.com in 2013.