Michelle Obama Exceeds Expectations – Little Things That Count

Yesterday was an amazingly historic day. A peaceful transition from the Bush administration to President Obama, all eyes on what Michelle would be wearing, how many millions would attend the inauguration and how many portapotties it would take to serve their needs, the inauguration speech, a celebration parade with 81 groups playing their best for the new President and his wife, and a newly arranged musical piece performed by the great Yo-yo Ma and Itzhak Perlmen which included the familiar Christian song The Lord of the Dance.

So many moments to comment on. I have to admit my heart was filled with great joy as I watched with hundreds of millions around the world, as a new president was sworn into office. President Barack Obama. May God Bless you and your family.

However, it was a few little details that stood out for me.  Details that were a small mirror into the character and integrity of our new first couple.  When they first emerged from Blair House to drive to church, the then President-Elect Obama walked hand-in-hand with his bride delivering her to her side of the car.  He then walked AROUND the car so she didn’t have to “sckooch” across the seat.  I loved that.

When they arrived for coffee with President and Mrs. Bush, they emerged from the car and Michelle brought a gift for Laura Bush.  The commentators went wild!  It was a first.  No one had ever brought a gift to the last coffee before.  What could the box include?  Was it something for the Bush’s to use on the plane ride back to Texas?  Had Michelle stayed up late baking cookies?  No, it was a journal and pen for Laura’s thoughts; it was such a human, loving gesture.  With everything the Obama’s had on their mind that Michelle would think to bring a little something to Laura was just delightful.

What about the fact that President Obama and Michelle walked the Bush couple all the way to the helicopter for a last farewell.  So classy. 

It is the little things that count the most.  The little gestures.  Think of the impact those two small things had on the outgoing family.

We can make the same kind of difference in the lives of our customers, our employees and our vendors without spending a fortune; without making a grand statement.  Just something little.  Something that shows you care.

Beautiful.

What can you do today to let someone know you care?