We need to speak up when people do the right thing.
Whether you’re watching the news or perusing social media, you’ll see plenty of stories about people behaving badly, selfishly, or rudely. So, it’s always refreshing to be reminded that the world is also full of kind, compassionate people who go out of their way to help others, even strangers. Isaac is one of those people.
I met Isaac a few weeks ago when my sister came for a visit and stayed at the Omni Hotel, San Francisco. My daughter and I joined her for dinner at Bob’s restaurant in the hot
el. (Great steakhouse, by the way.) We were already seated when my daughter rushed in. She was so excited to tell us what she had just witnessed.
She was at the entrance of the hotel when an Uber driver arrived with three sight-impaired women—all using white canes. The doorman helped them out of the car, and the driver left. That’s when the ladies discovered that the driver had taken them to the wrong address. They were headed to the Julia Morgan Ballroom.
A bellman at the door told them their destination was less than a block away. But it was a cold and drizzly night, and the pavement was slick. So, the bellman took one of the ladies by the arm and walked them down the street to the ballroom.
That bellman was Isaac Uy.
Why was this so surprising? It seems like something anyone would do, right? Well, not anyone. Certainly not the Uber driver who abandoned blind women at the wrong location. And probably not just any hotel employee. But the Omni is different. I’ve been to many meetings there. The people at the front door always smile, great you pleasantly, and open the door graciously. They’ve even offered to walk me down the stairs. Impeccable customer service and caring are just part of their culture.
There are many definitions of culture, but the one I’ve adopted is: “Culture is what people do when no one’s looking.” And no one was looking when Isaac guided the women to their destination. No one except my daughter, who was both impressed and inspired by what she saw.
After dinner we got to meet Isaac. My sister needed to move to a quieter room, and Isaac showed up to help. I mentioned I’d like to write a blog about what he did and asked if that was OK. He said the hotel would be pleased. I took his picture, so all of you could get to know him, too.
What can we learn from Isaac? Always do the right thing. Be gracious and kind. Not only will you make the day of the person you help, but you will also inspire everyone who witnesses your kindness.
The value of kindness is important to remember every day, but especially this time of the year. As we enter 2019, go above and beyond for your prospects and clients. Do the right thing by them. Give as much as you can to help, even if they don’t become clients. You’ll not only feel good, but your business will grow as you forge stronger and stronger relationships.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season and a fantastic New Year!
P.S., Not familiar with Julia Morgan? She was a prolific architect. She designed more than 700 buildings in California and is best known for her work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. Her career as an architect was shaped by two principal facts: her residence in California, with its distinctive architectural traditions and practical possibilities, and her gender. At the beginning of the 20th century, she was a woman attempting to break into an extremely male-dominated profession. In fact, she became California’s first licensed female architect.
(The Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchant’s Exchange.)
