Day 25: Go Into a Shop and Compliment an Employee to Their Manager

The Idea:

Today’s challenge is to visit a store, café, or business, speak to a manager or supervisor, and compliment one of their employees by name. It could be about their helpfulness, kindness, or how they made your experience better. This challenge is about stepping up to speak good behind someone’s back—on purpose.

Why It’s Good:

Most people feel nervous speaking to managers—especially when unprompted. We’re more used to reporting complaints than sharing praise. But flipping that script takes courage and creates real impact.

It’s a triple win: you face social discomfort, an employee gets recognition that might impact their job or morale, and a manager hears something positive (which is rare). You walk out stronger, and you leave behind a ripple of joy.

How to Do It:

1. Observe Someone Who’s Doing a Good Job: Whether it’s friendliness, hard work, or patience—notice it.
2. Ask to Speak to the Manager or Supervisor: A simple, “Hi, could I quickly speak to a manager?” is enough.
3. Be Specific and Sincere: “I just wanted to say that [employee’s name] was incredibly kind and helpful today. I really appreciated it.”
4. Leave After the Compliment: No expectations. Just bold, unexpected kindness.

Relevant Quotes:

On using your voice for good:

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”

~Rumi

On the power of recognition:

“People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but never forget how you made them feel.”

~Maya Angelou

On courage through kindness:

“Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.”

~Margaret Wheatley

Takeaway:

Going out of your way to praise someone, especially to their boss, is a bold, uncommon act of goodness. It shows strength, generosity, and leadership—and it leaves the world just a little more encouraging than you found it.