Sometimes, "Thank You" Is Not Enough

One of the best ways to know a good leader is how he treats the sacrifices of those who help him

The Cup of Blood:

There’s a story in the Bible. David was under the Philistine occupation and he had to hide in the stronghold, at the cave of Adullam. One day, probably after reflecting on the past, his childhood and the peace he once had, he desired a cup of water from the gate near the wall of Bethlehem, his place of birth. Three of his strongest men volunteered to execute this expensive fantasy. Yes! The enemy he was hiding from to strategize were positioned with their artillery and armour tanks near the site of the well and these dare devils strapped their spear and sword, broke through the garrison of the Philistines to get David water. The bible did not say it was a command, it was a wish. “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” That was a love errand! They moved.

When they brought the water, he realized how highly prized the water was. He refused to drink it but rather poured it to God.

A Basket of Goodwill:

During one of our hangouts in the hospitable city of Ibadan some years ago. Tribe members had gathered to share and have a great time. The excitement was touchable. It was our first meeting. One of our members at the time, Helen, had gotten us a beautiful space that belonged to one of her friends. It was a nice lounge on the rooftop decorated with live palms with lush spines, we paid no dime and we were not bothered for the time we spent there. The planning committee had done a fantastic job. We had games, snacks and sweets. We had music and I shared insights. Members shared warm hugs and firm handshakes when they met. Some were a bit dramatic, they were long and tight. Most of them were meeting for the first time. I grinned from ear to ear until my cheeks became puffy and heavy. Tiwatitope was the eclectic manager and chief planner from Ibadan, Gloria was hands on and coordinated the team from Osun state. I was in Lagos and I was quite surprised by the enthusiasm of the team. Something then happened towards the end of the event. I had my books with me in one corner the whole time, but I didn’t quite bother with them. Who thinks about selling books with all the beautiful faces and vibe. I honestly do not have such grace. And then a beautiful lady showed up with stacks of my books in her hand, going from one person to the other as Morire took time to freeze the moment in photographic frames, “Have you gotten your copy of Drive?” she asked, flaunting the book in their faces until she sold all she had. I was knocked out! I never had that conversation with her. She took it upon herself and sold my books like I commissioned her to do it. She sold those copies of books with magical ease, such as I do not have. Everyone on that team; Craig, Abigeal, Ameenat was a star! I am grateful.

Sometimes Thank You is not Enough:

Recently my team members have been working round the clock to launch our newest expression: The Breakthrough Podcast with Abiola Iyiola. We have had online meetings, planning and others. It felt at a time that it wouldn’t happen. It was a tall dream. I have only casually shared the idea with Nancy and Adetutu at a time. I also told my brother and friend, Mr Seun and he went into overdrive. He made personal calls for support! They knocked all the stars in their firmament out to ensure that the first production happened. How it happened is another story for the future. Today, I think about their commitment and love and this throws me into a depth of reflection.

You search your heart and you realize that there is nothing in the world that describes the level of love and commitment you get, and then you become loaded with the responsibility to treasure such input with your essence and appreciate the actors.

You have your own stories. How people stood for you, supported your project, your dream and became an absolute angel when you needed them the most. Reach out to them and say thank you. Acknowledge them in a story as I am doing. Those people are rare as a white Rhino. They belong in your hall of fame. Have you walked the street of life recently? I bet you have! How many people care?

This privilege is pure gold and it is valued at the cost of life itself. Abusing this privilege is what I call the sacrilegious sin in leadership.

When people lend you money, you can return it, it has a cost, when they lend you clothes, you can return it, it can be valued but when they lend you goodwill, you cannot repay it exactly the way they gave you. Goodwill is expensive.

Goodwill Is Expensive:

The salaries you pay people cannot pay for the commitment they invest in that project. Treat each commitment to your vision, business, goal like a treasure that it is. Document it in a different file and make an honest effort to appreciate and reciprocate such a gesture. These are your VIPs and they belong in your hall of fame. because impact is not possible without them. Don’t be the leader who forgets.

To everyone who is making this impact possible. Everyone who has lent a hand, done one or two things to support what we are doing, now or in the past I do not take your effort and goodwill for granted. You are our angel. You didn’t do it because I am superior or better than you, you did it because you love me and what I represent. This debt cannot be fully repaid. May you not lose your reward.

Have a great day and breakthrough from within.

©Abiola Iyiola, 2025