A Quiet Gesture That Spoke Louder Than Words

I still remember the day so clearly.

I was on my way to the hospital for my final check-up — the one where the doctor usually decides whether it’s time for admission. I was 8.5 months pregnant, still working till then, feeling healthy, nervous, excited, and a little overwhelmed, all at once.

Just as we were driving, my phone rang.

It was someone from the office IT team:

“Ma’am, could you please come and collect your laptop if possible?”

I told them I had already started my maternity break. But they gently insisted and requested if I could stop by, even for just a minute. It felt unusual, but something in their tone made me agree. So, on my way to the hospital, I took a quick halt at the office gate.

When I reached, the IT team handed over my laptop — the same one I had been using, with my login, my files, my setup. And then they shared the reason behind the urgency.

My then boss had fought for it.

Not so that I would work during my break.

Not to keep me “available.”

Not to add pressure on a soon-to-be mom.

He wanted me to have my laptop so that when I returned after six months, everything would be exactly as I had left it. No waiting for a new system. No fresh setup. No going through the hassle of configuration or requests. He said he wanted me to feel warm, supported, and assured that my place was waiting for me — exactly as it was.

It was his way of saying,

“Take your time. We’ve got your back.”

That simple gesture touched me deeply. It wasn’t grand. It wasn’t loud. But it was one of the strongest examples of leadership I’ve ever experienced. Sometimes people don’t need comforting words — they need someone to stand for them, quietly, firmly, without expecting anything in return.

That day taught me that leadership is not always about speeches, empathy statements, or polished behaviour.

Leadership is often a silent, thoughtful act that makes life easier for someone — especially when they’re vulnerable.

It’s a memory I carry even today. A reminder of what it truly means to support your team:

Not just assure them, but act for them.