SMILE on Huffington Post
Reggie Wilson, the star of SMILE Customer Service is in the news this summer. A wonderful article by Kay Kinton, guest contributor, at Huffington Post. Link to the article and to our favorite customer service video, SMILE! Your Gift to the World
I left Starbucks this morning in tears, my usual coffee in one hand and a gift from a stranger in the other.
The stranger’s name was Reggie and he is the driver of the city bus whose route begins at 5:30 each morning in front of the Starbucks down the street from my house. I’ve noticed Reggie before, a tall African American man who like most of us at 5:30am is not quite awake. Because his route begins at Starbucks each day, I often see him when I get my coffee. Today was a little different. As I walked past his bus this morning, I noticed 2 signs in the windshield. One simply said, “smile” and the other had a drawing of a smiley face (the usual 2 dots for eyes and a curved line for the mouth – both signs hand made, nothing fancy).
As I walked past the bus, barely awake, I did just what the sign said – I smiled. Reggie noticed and gave the horn of the bus a little, “toot”. It made my step a little lighter knowing that my smile had been noticed. I walked into the Starbucks sharing the smile with the same 5 people who seem to always be in Starbucks at this hour. As I ordered my usual coffee, Reggie walked in and came up to me with a simple little pendent that also said, SMILE. I no doubt beamed and proudly pinned the pendant to my fleece coat. He then gave me a smooth grey rock that he said he collected from the beach just across the street from the Starbucks. On the rock, he had written the word “smile” along with the drawing of a smiley face.
As I waited for my coffee order, Reggie told me that moments earlier he had been in deep thought about something that was bothering him. My smile had made him forget the trouble as he simply smiled back. I had lifted his mood.
After a few pleasantries, we said goodbye and I drove away with a certainty that I had never felt before – this is what life is about. It’s connecting in these seemingly insignificant ways that matter. It’s finding these connections in our everyday lives that bring a joy that no amount of money or prestige can bring.
So, my tears were tears of joy.
Think about sharing a smile today. You may just make someone’s day. And, they may surprise you and make yours right back:-)
More From Our Blog…
The Deafening Silence of DEI Allies: A Call to Action in Troubled Times
As we commemorate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his poignant words echo through the corridors of history, reminding us of the profound impact of silence in the face of injustice.” In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the...
DEI LEAP: Empowering Leaders Through Turbulent Times
DEI LEAP: Empowering Leaders Through Turbulent Times As we all know, 2024 has brought a wave of attacks against DEI. A handful of outspoken critics, such as Elon Musk, are misrepresenting DEI and attacking the strategies and practices that are creating more equitable...
The Colorblindness Trap
Read. This. Article. It's important. The Color Blindness Trap: How a civil rights ideal got hijacked Nikole Hannah-Jones is a domestic correspondent for The New York Times Magazine focusing on racial injustice. Her extensive reporting in both print and radio has...
The Unbearable Lightness of the “I’m Sorry if You Were Offended” Apology
Have you ever come across that non-apology apology? You know, the one that goes, "I’m sorry if you were offended," or its close cousin, "I’m sorry that you…" These non-apologies aren't just weak; they can actually inflict more harm and exacerbate hurt feelings. They...
The Power of Diversity: McKinsey’s Latest Report Reinforces the Business Case for Inclusive Leadership
In an era where corporate social responsibility is no longer just a buzzword but a fundamental aspect of successful business strategies, McKinsey's latest report, "Diversity Matters Even More: The Case for Holistic Impact," underscores the undeniable link...
“Laying Low” Is the Wrong DEI Strategy
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”- Martin Luther King, Jr. In an era marred by politicized attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Shaun...
The Evolution of DEI: A Turning Point for Positive Transformation
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”- The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King As you scroll through...
Elon Musk’s Unfounded and Dangerous Attack on DEI Initiatives
In his recent social media post on X, Elon Musk didn't mince words when he lambasted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as "propaganda words for racism, sexism, and other -isms." We get his schtick, the whole provocateur thing. After all, that behavior...
Painful Stories: Unconscious Bias in Health Care
Many Black women express a sense of being ignored or dismissed by healthcare professionals. The repercussions of such experiences can be life-threatening for both mothers and babies. The New York Times has published a new article that takes a closer look at this...
Navigating Thanksgiving – Speak Up or Stay Silent?
Tis the day before Thanksgiving and all through the land, people are anxious. Amidst the joy of the holiday—cherishing togetherness, celebrating with family and friends, and expressing gratitude— there's a potential for discomfort as opinions are shared and points of...