A Million Dollar Lesson

A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation. Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of training to corporate executives and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride. 

I had flown into Dallas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless cab pulled up. The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver's seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded Wall Street Journal next to me was for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy. Well! I looked around for a "Candid Camera!" Wouldn't you? I could not believe the service I was receiving! I took the opportunity to say, "Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell."

"You bet," he replied, "I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be. I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day's work and done it well. I evaluate my personal assets and... wham! I became a cab driver. One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer's expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being 'great' better than just getting by on 'average'" 

Did I tip him big time? You bet! Corporate America's loss is the travelling folk's friend! 

Lessons to be learnt: 

* Go an Extra Mile when providing any Service to others.

* There is no good or bad job. You can make any job good.

* Good service always brings good return.

* If you like what you are doing, there is never to work a day.

Thanks to:

1. Life of Hope

2. Pop Art UK

A Box Full of Kisses

The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." 

The man was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found out the box was empty. He yelled at her, stating, "Don't you know, when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They're all for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness. 

Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child. It is also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each one of us, as humans beings, have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses... from our children, family members, friends, and God. There is simply no other possession, anyone could hold, more precious than this.

Thanks to:

1. Indian Child
2. Living the Beautiful Life

A Freak With Pink Hair

It is not a good day, I concluded at last

It slugged by too slow when it should have gone fast

I sit by myself, as I usually do,

For I have very few friends, few old and none new

An older boy spots me, and starts coming my way

Great, I think to myself. What a wonderful day!

The teasing starts in, and I think, “It’s not fair!”

But the boy continues to laugh at the freak with pink hair

I sit there and take it, as I usually do

For this is quite common, it’s nothing too new

When this smug boy is finished, he at last walks away

Just what I needed to brighten my day!

When he is gone, I sit all alone

Tears sting my eyes as I reach for my phone

I scroll through the names, but decided that no one will care

Since when do people worry about the freak with pink hair?

Then a girl just my age walks to me and stops

She walks to my side, and right there she then drops

Something about her makes me stop and think

She sat down next to me because her hair is also pink!

“That boy used to bug me,” She says with a smile

I know where she’s going, and hope she will stay for a while

“It used to bother me, but I realized back then,

That it’s not me who should be ashamed, it should be him”

“You see,” The girl keeps going on,

“It’s people like him who are doing the wrong.

People like us, who aren’t afraid to stand out,

Are those who are noticed, and will do great things without doubt.”

“So don’t let that stupid guy treat you unfair.

“Me and my friends think you have beautiful hair.”

And with that, the girl left, as I sat there in shock

And it was that day I made a promise to not walk

A “freak” just like me, she stood up today

So instead of accepting bullying, I learned a new way

Me and that girl, there is a special bond that we share

Because she stood up, I did the same for a girl with green hair

Thanks to:

1. Short Stories 101 
2. We Heart It