Tom Hanks once shared the best piece of advice he was ever given by a director. He said, “It’s very simple. Show up on time. Know the text. And have an idea.” He described it as the foundation for being a professional. But the more I sit with it, the more I realise it’s also a blueprint for working well with others, contributing meaningfully and cultivating trust.

Show up on time

This is about respect, not just punctuality. It's about being fully present, being reliable and showing others that they matter. In a world of distraction and busyness, showing up has become a quiet act of integrity. Most of us don’t remember perfect outcomes. But we will remember who was there when it counted.

Know the text

In acting, this means knowing your lines. In the workplace, this means doing the work. It looks like preparing, understanding the context, thinking deeply. In fact, psychological safety grows when people come prepared and feel equipped to participate. When we’re ready, we show respect not only for others but also for ourselves.

Have an idea

This might be the most powerful one of all. Let me be clear. This is not about having the right idea or the best idea. It’s about bringing something to the conversation, participating rather than waiting.

We spend our lives learning to solve problems. But problem-solving alone won't move us forward. Creativity could build a different muscle: the ability to imagine something new. Studies on workplace creativity consistently illustrate that teams thrive when they share ideas without the fear of being judged or dismissed. Contribution, even if imperfect, is the engine of progress.

In summary

At work and in life, we are always being invited to do these three things: meet the moment, honour the people around us, contribute. Together, these three simple actions can change how a team feel. They build trust, reduce unnecessary friction, create momentum and encourage agency. They prevent the stagnation that comes from waiting for someone else to speak or lead or risk.

Growth isn’t dramatic. It’s not made of huge leaps or disruptive reinventions. It’s built through small, disciplined acts of showing up, preparing well, and being brave enough to bring something of ourselves to the table. When we do, everything changes.

We replace hesitation with intention. Teams move differently. Relationships deepen. Ideas expand. Work becomes meaningful as we build something bigger than ourselves.

This week

Reach in: Where in your life do you need to show up more fully? What commitment deserves your presence, not just your attendance?

Reset: What preparation would allow you to “know the text”. To feel ready, grounded, informed and confident?

Reach out: Bring an idea. Share something that could move a conversation, a team or a relationship forward. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just must be offered.