Do Nice People Finish Last?

That’s a good question that’s been asked for years.

We all know that a good captain is last to leave the ship, and the leader of a wolf pack always leads from behind.

Yes, nice people get screwed sometimes. I agree. However, being nice also has the advantage that people will both like AND trust them, which puts them firmly at the top.

So nice people are at both the bottom AND the top.

What do these people do that you don’t? What’s their secret formula?

They understand that while words are important, actions are critical.

In short, they’re kind to people.

I’ve been teaching people how to be a concierge for years now, and one of the mantras I tell them is this… “Everyone can do the big things right, it’s the little things that will make the most difference.”

The little things stand out to people because most people don’t do them. Your unexpected act of kindness will stay with them.

Kindness is sticky. It gets remembered.

Let me offer an example.

I was teaching a two-day workshop in Raleigh, NC. When the last person left at the end of the second day, I went in search of the behind-the-scenes staff who had worked with us over the course of the meeting. You know the ones. They’re the staff who set the meeting room up, bring you extra tables and chairs, and follow through on all sorts of requests I made during the sessions. I always thank the servers who serve us lunch, and the catering/sales managers, but I also like to personally thank the other staff as well.

I found them in the hotel’s ballroom setting up some tables.

As I walked over to them, I politely thanked them for everything they had done for us. Strangely, they all stopped what they were doing and stared at me!

A few seconds of silence went by and one of them says “wow”.

Wow?

So I smile again, extend my arm out to shake their hands, and thank them a second time.

This time one of them found their voice.

“Our apologies Mrs. Giovanni, but you are the first guest since I have been working here to ever come back and thank us.”

My heart broke in two pieces as he spoke, and tears came to my eyes. I then walked over to him and gave him a hug.

Saying thank you is such a simple thing and it means so much to people. There is a reason why the words “thank you” are among the first words parents teach their children to use. On the flip side, however, not being told thank you and not being appreciated is one of the main reasons people quit their jobs, leave relationships, and end friendships.

People want to be appreciated. They want to feel that what they do matters!

I will never forget the time someone practiced an act of kindness for me. I’ve had many great experiences in my life, but this one stands out.

Ron and I were at the VA hospital. This time he was in a wheelchair as he had just had surgery. After I got him out of the car and into the chair, you have to walk down a very long carpeted tunnel to get to the actual hospital.

I was having such a hard time pushing Ron on that darn carpet! I remember we were laughing about it as I tried to push the wheelchair. Then, out of the blue, a young man asked if we needed help. I gratefully said that we did. The man then easily pushed Ron all the way to the hospital. He had just returned from Afghanistan. I was so grateful! I will remember his kindness for the rest of my life. Thank you just isn’t enough.

Now why am I telling you that story?

Because it happened years ago and I still remember the act of kindness. It STILL brings a smile to my face whenever it comes to mind.

Imagine what a difference you could make if you practice acts of kindness to your clients, friends, family, and strangers.

As I’ve said many times, people might not remember what you’ve said, but they’ll never ever forget how you made them feel.