Leadership For Good
I enjoy coffee. I have a favorite place that I frequent — the quality of the coffee, the employees and the customers. It’s the same coffee shop that a tech company led by a guy in a hoodie put in their building, that’s how good it is folks.
One day I decided to do a social experiment. I ordered my drink and at the cashier I said I’d like to anonymously pay for the next 5 coffees. To overcome the initial dismay I repeated myself. Left my credit card and waited for my coffee (they do a pour-over) and then sat in my usual seat in the loft above the shop.
The results:
- $15 in tips – 3 of the people dropped their coffee money in the jar
- 3 additional coffees purchased anonymously for others – people paid it forward
- 2 food purchases after knowing they’d have extra cash
- 1 distrustful “who?!”
- A great time had by the cashier – “felt like I was giving gifts”
- 8 expressions of gratitude
- Faith in us
The media/press apparatus often portrays a divided nation laced with civil unrest. Maybe in the halls of DC, but here on the ground, we’re doing just fine. So to all those leaders out there — sometimes all it takes is a gesture of goodwill — or a great cup of coffee.
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