Actions Speak Louder
Darren Ford
Building inspiring leaders & engaging cultures while also building a new company.
Recently I posted a short comment about making the world a better place through action. Of course, it's easy to tell others to take action. But it's just as easy to actually take that action! We have opportunities all around us if we're just willing to be observant.
For example, like many people, I've been working from home the last four or five months. And rather than wearing my normal business attire of a slightly starched button-down shirt and slacks, I've been wearing a polo shirt and gym shorts (admit it -- you're doing the same!).
After four months of working from home, I did have a few shirts that needed laundering so I dropped them off with Song, the woman -- along with her husband -- who has been taking care of my shirts and dry cleaning for years. She calls me "Mr. Ford" and regularly asks, "How is Mrs. Ford?" No need for a ticket because she knows me. I simply drop a pile of shirts on the counter and return several days later to pick them up. And if she sees me pulling up in the car, she has the shirts ready to go before I even walk through the door. It's almost become a game to see if I can sneak up on her!
When picked up my five shirts a few days ago, I noticed Song's store was pretty empty. Upon a little digging, I discovered they are only doing cleaning two days a week. So I'm not the only person working in polos and shorts instead of business shirts and slacks.
Yet Song still keeps her store open every day but Sunday. "I have to be here for my customers." That's just part of her heart. "Yes, business is slow but at least I have a job. Many of our customers are out of work. It's so sad. But we are blessed." She and her husband are two of the nicest, kindest people I know.
So even though I'm still working from home, I'm again wearing that starched button down every day (and yes, I'm still wearing shorts). This way, I can visit Song and her husband regularly. Will it be enough to increase their cleaning operations to three or four days a week? Probably not. But it allows me to give them just a little extra business. More importantly, it allows me to honor Song's hard work over the years. And it brightens my day when I go visit her!
I don't tell this story to earn a gold star from anyone or to prove I'm a good person. I'm truly just providing a simple example of how easy it is to help others, how we can make the world just a little bit kinder, one person, one interaction at a time.
Will you join me? How can you make the world a little bit brighter?
Healthcare Executive with 33 years clinical / operational experience. Servant leader, patient advocate, and subject matter expert on leadership development, team building, and change management. Speaker, trainer, mentor
4 年Hi Darren, I loved reading your story. I too have done a couple of things to help those hit by this pandemic. We have a family owned restaurant that we loved going to on Friday or Saturday before this all started. Even though we could go at this time with the reduced customer count and distancing of tables, we opt not to due to my husband’s high risk. Instead, we order for take out and pick it up from them allowing us to also tip the wait staff that brings us the food. The other way we have chosen to help is with the purchase of our masks. I went on line to Etsy and researched for Texas small business to review and purchase our masks so we are helping them out. They are spending time making these masks in many styles including with/without filters, nose wires, etc. to keep everyone safe and I even found some with removable shields for the eyes. I continue to recommend them to anyone who asks. There isn’t enough we can do for the small businesses or individuals who are trying to make ends meet during this time. I, like you, believe in paying it forward, and we need to help those we can during this time in any way we can. Bless you for wearing those slightly starched shirts and shorts each day. I know Song appreciates you.
Great message Darren and simple example of how to look around at all of the people impacted by our new, at least for a (little?) while, norms.
Committed Husband and Father ?? | Faith Driven Entrepreneur ??? | Successful Sales Executive ?? | Experienced Business StartUp ?? | PickleBall Advocate |Prayer Coach ??
4 年Thanks Darren Ford for sharing this true story. Instead of complaining, what if everyone did something for another small or family owned business every week like you are now doing? That is challenging to think about and even more challenging to do. I’m taking this challenge to heart??. Anyone else?
Certified Notary Public at S & A Notary Services & Restoration
4 年Hi Darren! I hope your doing well!