A Toast to Heidi
We were at a strategic planning offsite event held at a large hotel located in the middle of a big city. As we began the meeting, I noticed a lady who was working hard to provide us with incredible customer service along with a positive attitude. She worked behind the scenes to ensure that our breakfast arrived on time, that our beverages were prepared and that the work area was cleaned up after our meal. Her name is Heidi.
Heidi is from Egypt. She has been in the United States for 6 years and is employed in the hospitality department of the hotel. She works to provide support for her family. She works hard, long hours but you would never know that by meeting her. She will greet you with a smile and a sweet spirit. Her genuine care for the customers of the hotel is, in my opinion, the best thing the establishment has going for it.
It always amazes me when I experience someone who demonstrates a strong work ethic along with a sincere desire to serve others. While the offsite was a success and the leadership team was outstanding, what I will remember the most is our encounter with someone who demonstrated the very core of servant leadership.
At the offsite, I asked Heidi to pause her work for a moment. I raised my glass and proposed a toast to our wonderful hospitality team member. We offered a toast of gratitude for Heidi.
Make a toast or demonstrate your own form of gratitude for the Heidi’s that you encounter. Showing appreciation to others will make a difference.
Larry
Check out our latest episode on the Crossing the Line Podcast:
Crossing the Line - GRIT
