Effective writing: In a season of goodwill, turn thoughts into written words

As is my tradition during the holiday season, I'd like to challenge you to use your writing to create goodwill. It's amazing how long-lasting the effect can be.

Years ago, when I went from being a full-time university administrator to being a part-time adjunct faculty member, I was worried I might lose my locker privileges in the university recreation center.

I liked the routine of working out there, I liked hanging out with my running friends and I didn't want to lose that connection.

An older guy named Billy worked in the rec center. He had been handing me a clean towel for years. He wasn't friendly; he wasn't unfriendly. He was just Billy. I always said thanks, but we never talked -- that is, until I realized it might be useful to be on his good side, so I started saying hello and asking how he was doing.

As it turned out, rec center memberships were open to adjunct faculty so I was never at risk of losing my privileges, but I was enjoying our brief exchanges and conversations, so I kept them up. What at first was false over time became genuine.

When Billy retired, I asked the guys in our running group for contributions, and I bought a card and a gift certificate for him. He seemed surprised when I gave it to him.

Years later I happened to see him coming out of a store. He smiled when he recognized me.

So, here's my question for you: Do you have a Billy in your life? Do you have someone with whom you might deepen your relationship by extending yourself, either in writing or in person?

Here are some ideas:

• Send a thank-you note to someone who doesn't expect it.

• Write a message to someone who has always seemed distant and reserved, beginning with "What I really like about you is ...."

• Ask someone who has lost a friend or family member in the past year how he or she is doing.

Here are some suggestions from past years:

• Recognize hard-working individuals in a regular feature in your company newsletter.

• Identify employees whose work tends to receive little notice, describe their duties and explain the significance of their contributions.

• After an especially busy period, thank not only the people who worked the extra hours but also their families, who likewise made sacrifices to help get the job done.

• When a colleague cannot attend an event, pass a card around for everyone to sign and to add a few words about how that person was missed.