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  « Even In Sickness, Hope

Every Life Has a Story

July 6th, 2010 by Nate

I heard about this video last month when I was down at the People Report Summer Camp conference, and it’s taken me until just now to watch it. And now that I have, I want to share it with the rest of you.

It comes from Chick-fil-A, and I think (though I’m not 100% sure) that it was produced as an internal video to demonstrate to their employees the importance of thinking about the people they serve. Take a look:

I pulled this off the personal blog of Dan Cathy, the president of the company. When these are the kind of concepts that the company leadership is building and talking about, I think you have a really good thing going.

And not even in the business world, either. I think this video is powerful because it’s so true – and it applies anywhere. Walk into any public place in the world. Glance around for a minute and realize that stories like this are all around us. And we have an opportunity with each and every interaction to add to that story.

For some people, the smile you give them while talking may be the only measure of positive human emotion they get all day. When you go out of your way to do a small favor for someone, it could literally be the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for them. Think about that this week as you walk through your life. You have the ability to make a profound impact on those around you, no matter how small your actions may be. And when we change lives, we change the world.

Go to it.

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View Comments | Tags: , , , , | Category: Ideas, People
  • Steve
    Loved this one Nate. My wonderful wife taught me years ago to be kinder than necessary because everyone is struggling with something. This really hit the point well.

    Thanks
  • bethebutterfly
    It is so beautiful. There is something everyone has to give and to share. What a gorgeous representation of that. Thank you.
  • Kristen
    I read the blog yesterday and was hit the hardest by the last paragraph that Nate wrote - it really speaks to where I am at in my life right now. And then I watched the video this morning when I had some quiet time and WOW! It brought tears to my eyes and one of the first things I thought about is how so many more people need to be reminded that there are stories behind every face. I work in a community college setting and I hear coworkers talk about how annoying the students are, or how bothersome, etc. and I just want to show those people this video and remind them that there is a story behind that person. They are more than just a pesky student...they are a PERSON with feelings and life situations that have affected them. Thank you for sharing, Nate!! It has definitely put my attitude into perspective today. :-)
  • Nice, it puts things into perspective really well as it illustrates that you don't know what's behind the person's eyes you are looking into.
  • This video almost made me cry. It touches to the core of compassion. I am so happy you and Joni are going to be on Compassionate HR on July 19. I can't wait to hear your story.
  • Thanks, Margo. I'll be happy to be on the program and chat for a bit. :)
  • Sara at Saving for Someday
    Thank you for sharing this, Nate! I was misty-eyed because I felt like it was talking to me. Every day I try to remember that what we are on the outside isn't necessarily what's going on behind closed doors. As someone who has struggled with finding 'normal' again after my daughter was the victim of a violent crime at age 4 and 1/2, I look pretty put together on the outside. Inside I'm falling apart some days and when I walk in to a store and am greeted with a smile, I gain a little bit of hope that it will be OK. While some may see this as manipulative, the point is that each person who walks through the door deserves a welcome and a smile.

    But I think the story should be made full circle and remind employees that even though they may be having a bad day or experiencing a difficult time, when a customer smiles at them and says something nice that all we're trying to do is be nice and make their day a little brighter too.

    It does start with us -- as individuals, not as corporations. And even though these people may be actors, no one really knows their story. Maybe for some it's the big breakthrough after trying for years, for others it may be a few bucks that puts food on their family table after many months of no work. We've become cynical, in general. It starts with us to turn that boat right!

  • Quite right, Sara. Also, I checked out your blog - good stuff. :)
  • I cross posted this, and I've gotten some mixed reaction. A few have reacted with a measure of disgust, calling it 'manipulative.' Very interesting, because there are certainly people who do have those stories. Would the reaction be different if more of the stories were positive (vs. a mixture of positive and negative?) Is it that the stories aren't "real," i.e., it's too obvious we're looking at actors? Is the problem that its a message from a corporation, and corporations are suspect?

    I've been noticing and thinking the last couple days that some people are quite suspicious (even scornful) of attempts to convey a message by "manipulating" emotion. Well, what is the difference between "manipulation" and tapping into true emotion? How can you tell them apart, and why is one so scorned and the other not?
  • This is the same comment I replied on your site, but figured I would put it here as well.

    I really am surprised by the negative comments. The video actually made me cry.

    I too do think it could have been more positive. However, I also think it is a good reminder that even something small like a smile from you can be the high point of someone's day. And that smile is needed more when you are dealing with the difficult not the happy things that come up in life.
    ( I had written a post once where I even quoted a study about someone who jumped off a bridge and survived who would have not done it had one person even smiled at him. http://www.newdaynewlesson.com/?p=2029 )

    One of my mottos in life is to give people the benefit of doubt when I deal with them. Why? precisely because I don't know their story or the baggage they carry around with them. I make a conscious choice to see everyone as good even if their actions aren't good.

    Does that mean I put up with abuse or with rudeness? No, I don't, but I choose to comment on their behavior in a non judgmental way. One that may or may not make them think in the future about how to respond.

    Anyways-sorry for the long ramble.
  • Hey Peg, I toddled on over to your site and checked it out. Wow, I was surprised by the hotly negative reactions. (Side note: I think you handled the discussion beautifully.)

    And yes, people are suspicious and scornful of manipulating emotions, and especially "big bad corporations," but there has to be some space allowed for an honest treatment of everyday stories. I mean, you literally can't deny that every one of those stories (and 100 more) could be true for those customers that day. And obviously they're actors, because how else do you illustrate that concept?

    I think your last point is the best: "how can you tell between manipulation and tapping into true emotion?" I think we try to look at things with an open heart, and give people the benefit of the doubt.

    Also, if a piece depicts true stories and emotions, then it's true, no matter who's presenting it.
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