Many of us have heard the phrases "pay it forward" as well as "random acts of kindness." Simply stated, when someone does a good deed for you, instead of paying them back, pay it forward by doing a good deed for someone else.

As I researched the concept, I came across five tips on how to pay it forward in the workplace courtesy of

www.theleadershipgirl.com:1. Write a thank-you note when someone does something nice for you, and send it to their manager.2. Do something nice for the most difficult person that you work with. Sometimes a bit of kindness goes a long way.3. Buy coffee or lunch for the person behind you in line, and ask them to pay it forward.4. Bring in doughnuts or bagels for breakfast for the department, or maybe just cookies one afternoon.5. Help someone do something above and beyond your usual routine, just because you can.Is there a young professional you can mentor? If you are a young professional, is there a co-worker who needs help with social media? There are four generations in the workplace today, so supporting one another with skills and tips that each may not be aware of will ultimately help to strengthen our workforce.Take a new co-worker under your wing and help them out by assisting with a smooth transition into the workplace. While networking, you may find a colleague that needs help with marketing, strategic planning or business development. Utilize your skills to help someone else ultimately, someone else will help you. I've found on my professional journey, the more I give back, the more I receive.Take time to volunteer in your community. Research the nonprofit organizations in your area to find something that sparks your passion. Coaching, community park cleanup, animal shelters, etc. Help your neighbors when situations may arise.Be aware of your surroundings. For example, I was at the grocery store the other day and there was an older gentleman who could not find a specific item: bacon bits. I approached him and asked him if I could help. I knew where the bacon bits were located, so I went the extra step to show him. I also happened to be a lot taller, so I reached up and grabbed them.Honestly, he was so taken aback that I took the extra step to help him; he was so grateful. It was a nice feeling to help him knowing that he was so appreciative. A very small random act of kindness, but it went a long way for both of us.As a seasoned professional, I once managed a young professional who had a very hard time listening. He would always interrupt me when I attempted to help him with a problem or guide him in the proper direction.I sat down with him and asked him to look me in the eye, and just listen, not process and prepare what he was going to say until he paid attention and heard me out. Years later, I ran into that young man and he thanked me for having the conversation with him, and he said it helped him on a professional level many years later. He went on to say that this inspired him to mentor students to help them in the same way.At the CCEDC, we have a number of events, programs and initiatives that happen every month. How do we do it all? We pay it forward! Staff and volunteers take the time to assist one another with event outreach, setup, registration, greeting our guests, program details and cleanup. It is infectious as both staff and volunteers catch on and continue to pay it forward.Challenge yourself to pay it forward. You'll make someone's day and feel good about yourself.Marlyn Kissner is the executive director of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.