Graciousness

I have gotten to know some very wealthy people in my position at LABOV Marketing Communications and Training. Most of them are truly good, if not great individuals.

One area I note is if and how they are gracious. Do they give more than they need to? Do they have a sense of what the "little guy" goes through? Are they motivated by money or power or do they have a higher calling?

Many wealthy people are giving, positive individuals who really do more than the minimum. But why not apply those questions to all of us? Do we tip more than the minimum when we receive good service? Do we show appreciation to someone who is at a perceived lower level of status? Do we treat everyone at an eye-to-eye level?

If the young college girl waiting tables gets an extra few dollars on her tip, it means a lot to her, but to most of us, it is nothing. Does she truly deserve it? I don't know, but if it means far more to her than to you, why not do it?

If the average guy gives $100 to his favorite charity, it may be a big deal to him. To a rich guy, that's a rounding error; it's nothing. We all say we want to make a difference; it starts with being gracious.

Barry LaBov
LABOV Marketing Communications and Training
www.labov.com