The next time you go to the movies, stick around and watch the credits at the end. Think about how many people it takes to make a movie.  Literally hundreds of people are needed, in fact, a study of the 100 top-grossing films of each year between 1994 and 2013 found that there was an average of 588 crew credits per film. Granted, I am sure there are some positions that are unessential but I am going to guess that the vast majority are essential since most movie investors are not so willing to pump an endless stream of money into something whose return is predicated on the whims of the public.

What’s my point? I want you to think about your business.  How many people work quietly in the background to make your success possible?  What do the credits in your business, your movie, look like?  Does everybody get recognized, even if only in small print?

I am always surprised at the number of business leaders (and people in general for that matter) who neglect the many people who play a part in making them successful.

Here is a challenge.  Starting today, make a point of showing gratitude for at least one person who works several rungs down the ladder from you.  In fact, make it someone you don’t see too often.  Seek out a person every day to whom you can say, “Thank you for what you do day in and day out to help this company to be successful.”