An Unexpected Lesson from a Hotel Bell

May 14

Illustration of a bell with gratitude recommendations

Last week I’m checking out of my hotel. It’s early in the morning. I approach the reception desk and notice a brightly coloured service bell 🛎️ on the counter.

I look at the Front Desk Associate and say, "Nice bell." Then I slowly reach into my briefcase and presto—I pull out my own service bell.

I love seeing people gobsmacked. He is speechless. 30 seconds pass and I decide to break the silence, "Mine's black but yours is nice and shiny !"

"That’s amazing sir. Why on earth do you carry a bell with you ?"

"I always have my bell when I’m facilitating. It’s a secret trick of the trade." I get my receipt and I’m on my way.

Here’s the thing, it is completely natural to see the world through a lens that is based on our unique experiences. If I worked at a hotel desk, I would probably think of the service bell as a way for guests to be served more quickly and I might even see it as an annoyance. I would certainly not expect to see hotel guests with their own service bells. In fact, I would never have even considered this possibility, so I too would have been gobsmacked if our roles were reversed.

There is a parallel to grateful leadership.

As a leader, you view situations through your lens, shaped by your experiences and expectations. However, true leadership requires us to step outside of our own perspectives and appreciate the diverse viewpoints of those around us.

The service bell incident serves as a reminder that what may seem ordinary or even annoying to us could be extraordinary or surprising to someone else. This is a powerful lesson in empathy and understanding. When we take the time to see the world through the eyes of others, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and insights.

Gratitude is not just about acknowledging what we have; it's about recognizing the unique contributions and perspectives of those we lead. By appreciating the small, unexpected moments and the diverse experiences of our team members, we foster a culture of inclusivity and respect.

So, the next time you encounter something that surprises you, take a moment to reflect on how it might be perceived by others. Embrace the unexpected and use it as an opportunity to connect more deeply with your team. In doing so, you'll not only become a more effective leader but also create an environment where everyone feels valued, appreciated and understood.