They say when a student is ready, the teacher will appear. Often in the most unlikely packages too.
That’s precisely what happened on a recent seemingly-ordinary flight my husband and I took on our way to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (a kids-free vacation, no less). I don’t know about you, but while I love to travel, I dread the part of getting there.
I get jittery when I have to sit for long periods of time. I am a free-range human so to be cooped up in a metal vessel feels like torture. I value fresh air, so recycled seems stifling.
Anyway, this particular flight turned out to be something special. It all started with the bright glow of the lead flight attendant’s smile, which I could see from where I was sitting just behind business class. I could also feel his presence. He announced to the sixteen passengers around him his name (Jeffrey) and how happy he was to be looking after them that morning.
Now here’s where it gets interesting.
I heard him say, “Now listen up, you will want to hear this.” He waited for everyone’s eyes to focus on him, then he said, “My job is to make you feel like you don’t want to get off the plane at the destination.”
WOWZA. This man simply amazed me. He loves what he does. He treats his clients with such enthusiasm and is ready to exceed their dreams of the perfect flight. We know that it’s the destination people are looking forward to, not the plane ride itself. He was not shy about letting them know he understands that, but chooses to give them the most outstanding service anyway.
Later, he came over to me with a delightful compliment. I smiled and thanked him. I reached for his arm and explained how excited I was to hear his announcement earlier to his business class guests. For most people, that exuberance is missing not just in their job, but their health, their marriage, their family, and friends. But Jeffrey was so bright and shiny – he truly radiates life and makes people smile or chuckle. I explained that I wished more people could live life the way he does. He told me his motto is to make people’s day better because they met him.
Are you a Jeffrey? What’s your motto? Go forth and be a Jeffrey – make someone’s day. You will be surprised how it makes your day too.