Thank those that go above and beyond

I have been out of the office taking a break and haven't had time to really do the blog thing. I received an email that sparked my interest and thought it would be really appropriate to post it here. The thing that got me is that we rarely take the time to thank those that have done something good for us. Whether it is a server at a restaurant or a customer service person at Dell, it still means so much to the world that we all recognize the efforts of others. It seems that a lot of people just aren't very complimentary anymore. I always have good intentions when someone goes above and beyond but I never seem to take the 5 minutes required to call a supervisor or to write a letter or email. Here is an example of how we should all be:

Dear Mr. Tom:

My name is Madeline S... and I recently purchased an all inclusive vacation package to Jamaica for me and my family. This was the first time I had ever purchased a vacation package online and the first time I ever used your agency. I was very nervous and anxious about doing so, since there are so many horrible stories you hear in the news about fraudulent companies stealing from innocent consumers especially on the internet.

My travel agent for this trip is Ms. Kelly Reid. I was compelled to write you and tell you how pleased I am not only with your company's service but more so with the excellent, expedient and committed work of Ms. Reid. Throughout my transactions online with booking this trip, I had questions and concerns, and emailed Ms. Reid with them. She always responded to all my emails in an expedient manner and always provided me with all the answers I needed to my questions and concerns.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally say what a wonderful employee she is and how proud you, as her Supervisor, and allinclusiveoutlet.com as a company to have Ms. Kelly Reid represent your company.

Thank you for the time you have afforded me in reading my message and I hope to be able to use your services again in the future. Remember, word of mouth is the best advertisement a company could get! I will be spreading the good word about your company.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Ms. Madeline C S...

I am sure this made Kelly feel great and is motivation for her to continue helping others. If you only ever hear from the negative people in this world, it really does begin to bring every one down. I had a really trying dining experience the other night, but we did not complain. I have become much more patient and understanding than before. I really didn't see the point in loading more negativity onto people who were obviously short staffed and overwhelmed. Do you know the result? The owner noticed we had been waiting forever and she bought us a round of drinks on the house. Nice touch. Well, the people next to me were complaining like mad and you guessed it. They did not receive anything but continued waiting. I was very courteous with the owner and told her I understood that they were doing the best they could do with the situation. Miraculously, our food showed up before the others :) And we will definitely go back now.

You know what? I bet that Kelly is willing to go the extra mile for Madeline if anything ever pops up on a future vacation. She will remember the kind email and know that this client is forever VIP. If you treat others well, then others will treat you well. Hmmm? Seems like a phrase I remember. It really is simple, but most of us don't do it. We are too worried about being inconvenienced or not getting our "fair share". Or we have better things to do.

Be kind to others. Thank those that do nice things for you. Hold a door open for the next person. Say "excuse me" when necessary. Apologize when you have inconvenienced others. Do something nice for those that go "above and beyond". Do these things and I guarantee your life will be easier. And BETTER.

Til Next Time,
Tom