Appreciate everything your associates do for the business.

Opening Scene

The morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden hue over the sleek, modern office. The hum of the city beyond felt distant, almost irrelevant, as the rhythmic tap of keys and the soft rustling of papers filled the air. Jack sat at his desk, a stack of reports in front of him, his brow furrowed in concentration. Jeeny, standing near the glass wall, gazed out at the sprawling cityscape, her thoughts elsewhere. The pace of the day was beginning to settle in, but an unspoken tension hung between them.

Host: The calm of the office felt almost unnerving, as if something was about to shift. Jack, noticing her distant posture, broke the silence with a question that hung in the air like a challenge.

Jeeny: “You ever think about the people you work with, Jack? Like… really think about them?”

Jack: He glanced up, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. “What do you mean? I think about work, about results—but the people? They do their job. That’s what’s important.”

Jeeny: Her voice was soft, almost careful, but there was a hint of something deeper in her words. “It’s just… you know, sometimes you get caught up in the end goal—the numbers, the targets—but the people who help you get there? Do you ever appreciate what they do, or is it just all about the outcome?”

Jack: A chuckle escaped him, almost dismissive. “Appreciate them? We’re in business, Jeeny. People are supposed to do their jobs. That’s what they’re paid for. I don’t need to go around thanking everyone for doing what they’re supposed to do.”

Host: The sound of his voice cut through the room, the air suddenly thick with the weight of the words. Jeeny didn’t immediately respond, her eyes still gazing out at the view, but her mind clearly wrestling with his statement.

Jeeny: “It’s not about thanking them, Jack. It’s about recognizing that without them, you wouldn’t have the success you’re so focused on. The business wouldn’t run without the people behind it. That’s what Sam Walton was saying—‘Appreciate everything your associates do for the business.’ It’s not just a gesture, it’s a truth.”

Jack: He sat back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the desk. “Appreciate them? They do their job, I do mine. We’re all part of the machine, Jeeny. That’s how it works.”

Jeeny: She turned, her gaze intense now, her voice gaining strength. “But that’s the point, Jack. It’s not about being cogs in a machine. People aren’t just tools to get you where you want to go. They’re the ones who make the business run smoothly. When you forget to appreciate them, it’s like ignoring the foundation of a building. Sure, it might stand for a while, but eventually, it’ll crumble.”

Host: The room felt a little smaller now, the energy shifting as Jeeny’s words found their mark. Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of contemplation passing through him.

Jack: “You really think people want to be appreciated all the time? I mean, what difference does it make if they’re doing their job well? It’s what they’re paid for. Recognition isn’t always necessary, is it?”

Jeeny: “Recognition isn’t just about praise, Jack. It’s about value. It’s about seeing them as more than just employees, more than just the people who fill out reports and answer phones. It’s about showing that their work, their effort, matters.” She stepped closer, her voice almost a whisper now, as if she were speaking a truth that had long been buried. “Sam Walton knew this. He built his empire by appreciating the people who worked with him, not just for him. That’s why his stores were so successful—because he made everyone feel like part of something bigger.”

Host: The quiet in the room deepened, as the hum of the city beyond felt like a distant memory. The only sound was the subtle crackling of the fluorescent lights above, and the air between them seemed to settle into a palpable stillness.

Jack: “So, you think if I just go around telling everyone how much I appreciate them, things will magically get better?” His tone was skeptical, but there was a shift in the hardness of his voice. “People want results. That’s all that matters. It’s not about feelings.”

Jeeny: She didn’t immediately respond, instead taking a moment to let the silence hang in the air. Her eyes met his, soft but firm. “It’s not about feelings, Jack. It’s about building relationships. It’s about making sure people know they’re not just tools, but valuable contributors to the business. People who feel valued are more likely to give their best work. And when they give their best work, the whole business succeeds.”

Host: The room had become a quiet battleground of ideas, each side holding fast to their own beliefs. Jack’s fingers had stopped tapping, his hands resting still on the desk. Jeeny’s stance had softened, but her words still held their weight.

Jack: “So… you think I should be going out of my way to show appreciation all the time, even when people are just doing their jobs?” There was no sarcasm now, only a hint of curiosity. “That’s a lot of extra work.”

Jeeny: She smiled, a soft, knowing smile. “It’s not extra work, Jack. It’s effort, but in the right direction. People want to know they matter. That they’re not just there to fill a seat or check boxes. When you show them that their contribution means something, it inspires them to give more.”

Host: The air felt lighter now, the conversation taking on a reflective tone. Outside, the sunlight began to dip lower, casting long shadows across the floor. The weight of the discussion seemed to linger, but the tension had eased, leaving behind the possibility of a shared understanding.

Jack: “I guess… maybe I’ve been so focused on the results that I’ve missed the people getting us there.” His voice was quieter now, but there was a shift in his demeanor, something like understanding beginning to form.

Jeeny: “That’s all it is, Jack. It’s not about a massive change. Just a little shift in perspective. Appreciation doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that make the biggest difference.”

Host: The light outside had softened, the day beginning to fade into twilight. The office was quiet once again, but there was a shift, subtle but undeniable. Jack sat back, his mind now open to the truth Jeeny had shared. And for the first time that day, the business felt just a little more personal.