The Butterfly Effect: How I Came To Be In Singapore

Isn’t it an amazing phenomenon how someones small act of courtesy or kindness can have profound implications on our lives further down the line as the ripple effects of their decision take hold?

One Raffles Place: View of Singapore River, Parliament & Boat Quay from that first office

The following was posted on LinkedIn, and currently has 133K engagements:

When you’re not giving someone the job, at least give them closure. Send the rejection email.
Daniel Abrahams

A friend, when responding to the above, recounted the story of how he met his wife… by sending a rejection letter to a candidate. Essentially, he had thanked the candidate for their application, but let them know they’ve chosen a different talent for the job – but wished them all the best for the future.

The candidate remembered the courtesy, and 18 months later approached the friend from his new company with a tender opportunity. The friend was surprised but the former candidate explained that no one had sent him such an email after interviewing before and so he thought my friend’s agency would be a good fit for his company’s business.

Part of the team he was about to work with would be his future wife – yes, they met during this business, and it was all down to a simple courtesy email…

The twist in the tale: A few months after taking on their business, I received an opportunity to work with this friend (he wasn’t a friend back then – just a business opportunity from Singapore). I interviewed and won the role, due largely in part to how I would fit with my friend’s wife’s team.

I accepted the role and moved lock-stock-and-barrel to Singapore, where I still currently reside 7 years later – even though I am not at that role anymore, it was an exciting 5 years of my life…. and it all came down to someone’s simple act of kindness.

I think of all the friendships, connections, life decisions, relationships, travel and enjoyment that have stemmed from that one. simple. act.

Don’t do it because Ellen says so (she never recounts a story just says the words in a hollow fashion like a robot). But do be kind! You never know what could come of it!

Can you think of a butterfly effect caused from a seemingly insignificant moment in your life? share below!