Online Reporter
Hunt For Greatness-Milton Kamwendo
GREATNESS is movement. Movement is not just big strategies, bold speeches, complex systems, impressive titles or dramatic decisions.
Sometimes movement is released through simple words spoken with sincerity, discipline and humility.
Three simple expressions can move relationships, open doors, heal wounds, build trust, strengthen character and shape destiny. These are: Thank you; Please; I am sorry.
My two daughters attended a Harare primary school that emphasised the importance of these three expressions.
They were not treated as shaping values nor small courtesies. They were presented as foundational expressions for life. Behind these simple expressions are three great disciplines: gratitude, respect and responsibility.
A person who learns to say “thank you” becomes appreciative.
A person who learns to say “please” becomes respectful.
A person who learns to say “I am sorry” becomes accountable.
These are not childish expressions. They are leadership words. They are family words. They are workplace words. They are nation-building words.
Many lives stall because people never mastered the discipline behind these three expressions. They become entitled, rude, defensive, proud and difficult to work with. They may have degrees, titles, money, influence and talent, but lack the social grace and moral maturity that makes movement sustainable.
Move through “thank you”
“Thank you” is the language of gratitude. It acknowledges that life is not self-made. It reminds us that we are recipients before we are achievers.
No one rises alone. Someone taught you. Someone opened a door. Someone prayed for you. Someone corrected you. Someone gave you a chance. Someone made a sacrifice. Someone believed in you when you were still becoming. Someone served quietly so that you could stand publicly.
“Thank you” moves the heart from entitlement to appreciation. Entitlement says, “I deserved this.” Gratitude says, “I received help.” Entitlement complains about what is missing.
Gratitude recognises what is present. Entitlement dishonours small things. Gratitude honours the seed. Entitlement drains relationships. Gratitude strengthens them. Saying “thank you” creates energy. People flourish where they are appreciated. Teams become stronger when contribution is noticed. Families become warmer when effort is acknowledged. Organisations become healthier when people are not treated as invisible tools.
Do not only thank people generally. Thank them specifically. Thank someone for the call they made, the report they prepared, the sacrifice they made, the patience they showed, the excellence they demonstrated, the courage they displayed and the support they gave. Specific appreciation has greater weight than vague praise.
Gratitude also protects the soul. A thankful person is harder to poison with bitterness. A thankful person sees grace even in difficult seasons. A thankful person can look at the unfinished work without forgetting the progress already made.
Keep moving, keep saying, “thank you.” Say it to God. Say it to parents. Say it to teachers. Say it to colleagues. Say it to employees. Say it to customers. Say it to those who serve in hidden places. Say it often, sincerely and specifically.
Move through “please”
“Please” is the language of respect. It reminds us that people are not machines, tools, servants or objects to be commanded without regard. People carry dignity. Even when you have authority, do not lose courtesy.
Power without respect is arrogance. Authority without courtesy is oppression. Leadership without humility is abuse. “Please” moves communication from demand to honour.
Some people become rude when they gain position. They mistake harshness for strength. They bark instructions, interrupt others, dismiss juniors, ignore service workers and speak as though everyone exists to obey them. That is not leadership. It is immaturity dressed in authority. Your true character is revealed in how you treat people you do not need to impress. Say “please” to your children. Say “please” to your spouse. Say “please” to your assistant. Say “please” to the waiter. Say “please” to the security guard. Say “please” to the junior employee. Say “please” to the driver. Say “please” to the person who reports to you. Courtesy does not reduce authority. It refines it.
Respectful leaders get better cooperation because people do not feel crushed by them. They create an atmosphere where people can contribute without fear.
They make instructions easier to receive because the tone does not humiliate. They understand that the manner of communication can either move work forward or create silent resistance.
“Please” also teaches patience. It reminds us that asking is better than assuming. It creates space for others to respond as human beings, not merely as extensions of our urgency.
“Please” is a small word with large power. It moves people because it honours them.
Move through “I am sorry”
“I am sorry” is the language of responsibility. It is one of the hardest expressions for proud people to say. It is one of the most healing expressions for wounded people to hear.
Everyone makes mistakes. The question is not whether we will ever be wrong. The question is whether we will have the humility to admit it. “I am sorry” moves relationships from injury to healing.
Some people would rather defend themselves than repair damage. They explain, justify, blame, deny, minimise or attack. They say, “You are too sensitive.” They say, “That is not what I meant.” They say, “But you also did this.”
They say everything except the words that could begin healing: “I am sorry.”
An apology is not a collapse of dignity. It is evidence of maturity. A true apology is clear. It does not hide behind vague language. It does not say, “I am sorry if you were offended,” when real harm was done. It says, “I am sorry for what I said.” “I am sorry for being late.” “I am sorry for not keeping my promise.” “I am sorry for speaking harshly.” “I am sorry for not listening.” “I am sorry for hurting you.”
The words must be accompanied by changed behaviour. Apology without change becomes manipulation.
Repeated apology without responsibility becomes noise. The purpose of saying sorry is not merely to end discomfort but to restore trust and correct conduct.
Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author and accomplished workshop facilitator. He can be reached at: [email protected], WhatsApp: +263772422634.
