Small gestures go a long way…

I think we’ve always known this; I mean I remember my parents telling me this as a kid, in a conversation about being kind. You don’t have to put on a big show, spend a lot of money, or organize some grand event to show gratitude. It can be a simple pat on the back, a wee note of encouragement, a happy face or star on your homework- it’s all about appreciating someone or the effort someone has put in. 

I can remember arriving at CHUM radio in Toronto, and covering my first few stories, and the anchors on the desk saying “thankyou” for the reports. I thought what? This is part of my job, not an extra. I also found a handwritten note on my desk on day, “you are alright kid, thanks for your work on my show”. Woah!!

THANKYOU

The impact of the word can be profound. It can literally change mindsets and generate long lasting loyalty. It did for me. I wanted to work as hard as I could for those people and that company. They made me feel like part of the family.

Fast forward to present day, and it hit me again. Small gestures go along way.

I was out for dinner the other night and just so happy to be experiencing the EVENT of having a nice dinner, at a nice restaurant (@Cibowinebar.com), enjoying great conversation with wonderful company. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the food and wine sublime. But what pushed this experience over the top was the love shown to us by the staff. We were greeted by a hostess who welcomed us as if we were guests in her home.  Once seated, the serving staff was incredibly attentive, inquiring about us, where we were from, was there an occasion we were celebrating.  They were paying us great attention without being suffocating. 

Yes, I realize restaurant employees are paid to show customers the love, but not on this level.  We made a comment to each other that they have had excellent training and great leadership.  Then, the General Manager (Brent Maidens) made a point of visiting our table and seemed genuinely interested in our story.  He took time away from running the restaurant to chat about his life, his business, his family, our lives, our families. It felt like I was catching up with an old friend.

Whether by design or not the general manager has fostered a family first constructive workplace culture. He leads by example, and it is evident the staff has bought in. The small gestures of being cheerful, attentive and showing genuine interest in someone else’s life made a huge difference in our experience. 

It is important to remember that small gestures mean a lot.  You may not always be around to see the results – but theses gestures matter to people.