Make Their Day: Think Ahead

Many years ago when I as working as a store manager, the operations director would visit regularly. We would go through the usual routine of what was selling and what wasn’t, staff issues and other general business, then always finish with a cuppa in the tearoom. I remember vividly making tea for him on one particular day because of something he said to me when I had finished pouring:

“Aren't you going to refill the kettle and boil it ready for the next person coming along?”

It seemed an odd question at the time, but the sentiment of what he was really saying has stuck with me ever since. What about the next person coming along? Think about making their life just a little easier if you can in the hope that they pay it forward to someone else who might really need the extra bit of thoughtfulness.

Holding the door open for someone to pass through, leaving the next hand towel ready to be pulled in the wash room, clearing your coffee cup as you leave, opening the next paper bag by the mushrooms, you get the idea. What do you get out of doing these little things? It makes you feel good too. You’ve done just a very small but thoughtful thing for someone else, probably a complete stranger and whether they notice it or not, you’ll know you helped.

Be the best person you can be. It makes a difference to others and you.

Click to read more of my posts. I am the author of three books (Wiley) on social media marketing and building relationships and you can find them all here. You might like to subscribe to me for more useful updates and get a free sample of a chapter from my latest book. If you are looking for a speaker or trainer for your next event, do get in touch.