"Tears of Joy and Bumps of Goose"

I’m writing this story from the @Secrets Tides Punta Cana this week. The beauty of this destination and the uniqueness of this resort have created a perfect backdrop for this special event.

You see, I am attending and presenting at a KINDNESS CONFERENCE, created and hosted by @ALG Vacations. What has touched my heart and the hearts of the recipients, who were nominated and selected to be here, is not only this organization’s dedication to:

• Instilling Kindness in Ourselves
• Showing Kindness to Each Other
• Celebrating Kindness in Travel

But also the Attendee's reaction and enthusiasm toward KINDNESS.

These are top Travel Advisors in the country with eagerness to SHARE and SPREAD KINDNESS EVEN MORE.

What transpired organically throughout the conference were connections... sincere, authentic and meaningful interactions.

There was an obvious appreciation for the content, learning and the newfound community (tribe) of Advisors that realized that although they may be competitors, there is a benefit to being part of each other's network to help not only each other but the hospitality industry as a whole.

The Essence of Hospitality was exemplified over and over during the event, not only by the ALG staff's exceptional dedication to details throughout the event along with the hotel staff's 5-star service, but also by the Attendees interactions with each other.

It was evident that the conference inspired evolutionary relationships between the Advisors. New friends-for-life.

My speaking sessions led participants through the acronym “KINDNESS” with each letter representing one of the top 8 tactics for enhancing and improving their personal delivery of kindness.

One of the “N’s” stands for “Notice, Anticipate, and Over-Deliver” and the examples shared from this group brought tears of joy and bumps of goose.

Here are just a few that created such reactions:

• A Travel Advisor was made aware that a neighborhood kid smashed and crashed his bike and was extremely upset. The family was struggling financially so this person purchased the child a new bike, put a bow on it, and placed it in the driveway without anyone knowing that it came from her. “Notice, Anticipate, Over-Deliver”
• Another shared that when they were having a bad day and went for a fast-food drive through break, the employee noticed that she had been crying. The worker placed a bunch of extra’s without saying anything (cookie, upgraded fries, and a kid’s toy for good measure). “Notice, Anticipate, Over-Deliver”.
• A client of theirs had been stranded for days, due to bad weather. This Travel Advisor graciously ordered groceries for their family & had them delivered. Knowing that they had an extraordinarily long journey home, she wanted to make sure they wouldn’t return exhausted and home to a completely empty refrigerator.

• Finally, one travel advisor also works part time as an RN.  As she always goes “above and beyond” to help others, a particular patient “noticed” her extreme efforts to make them feel better.  This nurse shared that it was her birthday on that day and she was happy to assist.  One year later, the same patient returned “anticipated” on her birthday bringing her cupcakes and flowers to ensure she knew that she was appreciated “over-delivered”.

Notice, Anticipate, Over-Deliver

Here are a few ways that you CAN SHOW EVEN MORE KINDNESS TO OTHERS using the same approach.

Notice, Anticipate, and Over-Deliver:

• Pay attention to the needs and emotions of others. Notice when someone might be struggling or in need.
• Anticipate what would make a positive impact. Consider small gestures that can brighten someone’s day.
• Over-deliver by going beyond expectations. Surprise others with acts of kindness that leave a lasting impression.

Personalize Acts of Kindness:

• Personalize kindness by understanding individual circumstances and needs. Be anonymous. Make it count individually.

Empathy in Customer Service:

• Be empathetic. Like the fast-food worker who noticed a customer’s tears and added extra items to their order, empathy can create memorable experiences.

Kindness has a lasting impact and a ripple effect.

Kindness isn’t just a one-time action.

Kindness is a mindset and a way of interacting with the world.

Thanks for contributing to it!