No Reason

Years ago, I attended a Women's Leadership event at work. Like most conferences, there were several speakers, lots of ideas, and pages of notes.

But one lesson has stayed with me for years. It came from fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.

She shared a simple habit that takes less than five minutes. Every morning, she reaches out to three people.

No agenda.
No favor to ask.
No networking objective.

Just a simple note.

"Thinking of you."
"How are you doing?"
"Hope you're having a good week."

I've thought about that advice more times than I can count. Why? Because some of the most meaningful relationships in my life have been built on exactly that. Not the phone call when someone gets promoted. Not the text when someone needs something. Not the email with a request.

The ones I remember most are the unexpected calls.

"Hey...I was just thinking about you."
"I wanted to hear your voice."
"Tell me how your summer has been."
Those conversations make me feel seen.

They remind me that relationships aren't built only during the big moments. They're built in the ordinary ones. I wish I could tell you I've faithfully followed Diane's advice every single day. I haven't. Life gets busy. Work gets busy. But I try.

Sometimes it's a quick text. Sometimes it's a phone call. Sometimes it's just letting someone know they crossed my mind. I've never regretted sending one.

Leadership isn't only about influencing people at work. It's about investing in people…with no hidden agenda, no expectation, and no reason other than they matter.

Ironically, that's probably the best reason of all. So here's a small challenge. Before your day gets away from you, reach out to one person. For no reason.