Carrier pigeons have long been heralded as the unsung heroes of history. These tireless winged messengers, once an indispensable part of communication during wartime, were often subjected to the most harrowing conditions. Maimed by enemy fire, many of these birds continued to carry out their duties, their dauntless spirits surviving long after their physical bodies had been torn apart. Their bravery has saved countless lives. One of the most notable examples is a pigeon named Cher Ami, whose heroic actions during the Battle of the Argonne in World War I are still celebrated today. With one leg shot off and a wing badly damaged, Cher Ami carried a vital message, ensuring the survival of two hundred soldiers. This singular act of courage underscores the bird’s role as a messenger and a symbol of hope in dire circumstances.
Cher Ami’s legacy is just one chapter in the long and valiant story of carrier pigeons, which have served as messengers in war, peace, and everything. Another remarkable bird, Stumpy Joe, gained fame for his battle scars and earned admiration and recognition for his bravery. Stumpy Joe was so beloved that his fans even had him stuffed and mounted, eventually putting him on display at the National Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.
But pigeons have served humanity not only in wartime. Millions of racing pigeons have carried messages across great distances, connecting people worldwide with the joy of friendly competition. These steadfast birds, often overlooked, have played their part in building connections and transmitting information in ways that have left lasting impressions on their human counterparts. In this spirit, there is a unique and often underutilized technique called “Carrier Pigeon Kudos.”
Carrier Pigeons: Messengers of Valor and Gratitude
Carrier pigeons have long been more than birds; they symbolize unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and bravery. These remarkable creatures were used throughout history to deliver vital messages, especially during wartime when traditional means of communication were often unavailable or too risky. The First World War provides some of the most striking examples of their valor. Pigeons were used to carry messages from the front lines, often through treacherous environments and under constant threat from enemy fire. Despite these daunting challenges, many pigeons completed their missions, sometimes at significant cost to their lives.
Take, for example, Cher Ami, one of the most famous pigeons in history. During the Battle of the Argonne in World War I, Cher Ami was dispatched on a mission that would turn out to be a life-saving one for an entire battalion of soldiers. While en route, Cher Ami was shot multiple times, losing a leg and suffering severe injuries to a wing. Despite this, the pigeon continued its journey, carrying an urgent message to warn the troops of an impending German attack. When it arrived badly wounded, it still managed to deliver the message, saving the lives of 200 soldiers. Cher Ami’s courage was recognized posthumously, earning the pigeon a medal of honor cementing its place as a symbol of perseverance and sacrifice.
Such stories are not unique to Cher Ami. Many pigeons were injured or killed in the line of duty. Some had their wings shot through or were bombed out of the sky, but still, they completed their missions. Though physically small and fragile, these pigeons displayed an unbreakable spirit, doing what they were trained to do, no matter the cost. For these birds, the mission always came first, embodying the ideal of loyalty to the cause. Their stories serve as reminders of the often-overlooked heroes of war—those who, without fanfare, ensured that life-saving information reached the people who needed it most.
Beyond the battlefield, the impact of these pigeons extends into other aspects of human life. Racing pigeons, for instance, have connected people across vast distances, allowing them to engage in a sport that transcends borders. While life-or-death stakes of war, these pigeons still embody the spirit of endurance and communication, building bridges between individuals and communities. In this light, the carrier pigeon becomes not just a messenger but a universal symbol of connection, resilience, and sacrifice.
Becoming the Carrier Pigeon of Compliments
Technique #52 – Carrier Pigeon Kudos
People grow a beak and metamorphosize into carrier pigeons when there’s bad news. (It’s called gossip.) Instead, become a carrier of good news and kudos. Whenever you hear something complimentary about someone, fly to them with the compliment. Your fans may not posthumously stuff you and put you on display in a museum like Stumpy Joe, but everyone loves the carrier pigeon of kind thoughts.
In our day-to-day interactions, we often hear compliments about others—praise for someone’s work, appearance, or contributions. But how often do we take the time to pass those compliments along? Many people think of compliments as fleeting remarks that get lost in the shuffle of daily life, but they can be powerful tools for building relationships and spreading positivity. The “Carrier Pigeon Kudos” concept encourages us to actively share compliments, just as pigeons once carried vital messages. When you hear someone say something nice about another person, don’t let it end there—take that compliment and pass it on.
When you become the messenger of praise, you uplift the person receiving the compliment and strengthen the bonds between all involved. For example, if you overhear Carl complimenting Sam for his exceptional work on a project, don’t keep that praise to yourself. Instead, pass it on to Sam by saying, “You know, Carl said the nicest thing about you the other day. He was impressed with how you handled that project.” This simple act shows that you’re paying attention, that you value the contributions of others, and that you take the time to recognize their worth.
The power of passing on compliments goes beyond the individual. By actively sharing praise, you help create a culture of appreciation and positivity within your community or workplace. When people feel seen and acknowledged, they are more likely to pass that feeling on, creating a ripple effect of goodwill. This creates an environment where kindness and recognition are the norms rather than the exception. And as the person delivering the compliment, you also gain the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made someone’s day a little brighter. It’s a small act that can profoundly impact both the recipient and the person sharing the praise.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
When you pass on a compliment, you’re not just sharing a nice word—you’re creating a larger, more interconnected network of kindness. Like any act of goodwill, compliments have the potential to ripple outward, affecting everyone involved. The person who receives the compliment may feel more motivated, appreciated, and empowered to continue doing great work. This positive feeling can inspire them to compliment someone else, creating a cycle of appreciation that spreads throughout the community.
This ripple effect is one of the most powerful aspects of Carrier Pigeon Kudos. By sharing good news and compliments, you’re actively creating a positive feedback loop. When people feel good about themselves, they’re more likely to engage with others meaningfully. They may be more generous, kind, and willing to help those around them. The positivity that starts with one simple compliment can snowball, creating a culture of support and encouragement that has a lasting impact.
Furthermore, the person who hears the compliment is likely to remember the gesture and may feel more inclined to pass it on. This creates a lasting effect that extends beyond just the immediate individuals involved. The more people participate in this cycle of kindness, the stronger and more resilient the community becomes. Like the pigeons who carried critical messages, sharing a compliment could have far-reaching consequences, spreading joy and goodwill far beyond its initial recipient.
Ultimately, the ripple effect of kindness highlights humanity’s interconnectedness. In a world where negativity often dominates the headlines, acts of kindness—no matter how small—can transform environments, making them more collaborative, supportive, and understanding. Every compliment shared is an opportunity to contribute to that change, ensuring that kindness is seen and felt.
More Than Just Compliments
While compliments are an essential part of the Carrier Pigeon Kudos technique, the concept can be expanded beyond just words of praise. Another powerful way to practice this technique is by sharing news or information that could benefit someone. Think about the people in your life—their interests, passions, and needs. If you come across an article, a news item, or even advice that interests them, don’t hesitate to pass it along. Just as carrier pigeons once flew across enemy lines to deliver messages of life-or-death importance, you, too, can carry messages of knowledge, insight, and support.
For example, if you know your friend Ned is a furniture designer, and you come across an article about emerging trends in furniture design, don’t just think to yourself, “Ned would love that.” Share it with him! Whether via email, a text message, or even an old-fashioned fax, passing along relevant content shows that you care about their interests and are thinking of them. For instance, forwarding an article is a tangible way to demonstrate your investment in its growth and success.
Similarly, if your friend Sally, a sculptor, has been working on a particular project, and you happen to see her artwork featured in a local gallery or a magazine, don’t let that moment pass by. Send her a note or an email letting her know you’ve seen her work and that you’re proud of her achievements. It’s a small gesture, but it could mean the world to someone struggling with self-doubt or needing encouragement. By becoming a “carrier” of this kind of information, you demonstrate that you are attuned to their needs and committed to supporting them in their endeavors.
The ability to share relevant news, whether an article, an opportunity, or a helpful tip, shows you are thoughtful and considerate. It reinforces the idea that you’re aware of the other person’s world and are willing to take the time to support them in a meaningful way. In today’s world, where information is abundant and easily accessible, sending along something useful, relevant, and timely reinforces your role as a thoughtful and caring friend, colleague, or family member.
The Joy of Being the Bearer of Good News
The Carrier Pigeon Kudos technique is about sharing joy, spreading positivity, and creating an atmosphere where people feel valued and appreciated. And when you become the bearer of good news, whether a compliment or a piece of helpful information, you experience a unique kind of fulfillment. The act of delivering a compliment or passing along information is inherently rewarding because it connects you with others in a meaningful way. It provides an opportunity to make someone’s day brighter, to show that you care, and to reinforce relationships built on mutual respect and appreciation.
A deep satisfaction comes with being the person who lifts others. People tend to remember those who make them feel good, and delivering positive news—whether through praise, encouragement, or valuable information—can leave a lasting impression. In addition, being known as someone who brings positivity into others’ lives can elevate your sense of self-worth. When you make kindness a habit, it becomes a part of your identity, and you start to see the world in a different light—one filled with opportunities to make others feel seen and appreciated.
Just as Stumpy Joe the pigeon became a beloved symbol of bravery and resilience, you too can become a symbol of positivity and thoughtfulness. By consistently acting as a carrier of good news, you not only make a positive impact on the lives of others but also enrich your own life. The joy that comes from being a bearer of good news is immeasurable, and in a world that often seems fraught with negativity, it’s one of the most meaningful contributions you can make.
Try It: A Simple Act of Thoughtfulness
Incorporate this technique into your interactions. Think about the money you’ll save on greeting cards. Sending a relevant clipping or information is a winner’s way of saying, “I’m thinking of you and your interests.” It’s a small act of thoughtfulness that can significantly impact relationshipsps and connections.
So, embrace the role of a “Carrier Pigeon” of good feelings and knowledge. Spread positivity, recognition, and valuable information to the people in your life. It’s a simple yet powerful way to enhance your connections and make a lasting impression.
This article is part of the How to Talk to Anyone Series based on Leil Lowndes’ book.