Going the Extra Mile: How Small Gestures Create Big Memories

CeCe and I have just landed at the airport for a short beach trip and one of my worst nightmares is unfolding.  Our luggage did not make the transfer on our connecting flight and will arrive 24 hours later.  Since this was a quick trip, we did not take a few essentials with us in our carry-on.  This, my friends, is what I call a bad hair day at my house. 

CeCe is a little difficult to talk to for the first few hours.  We scurry around the island, gathering overnight essentials and searching for a bathing suit but we can’t seem to find one for CeCe. 

At dinner, CeCe is sharing her story with one of the servers.  Tomorrow is Sunday morning, and most of the shops are closed, so the bad hair day is not looking real bright.  Our server says she knows some vendor friends, and she will send a bathing suit over in the morning. 

We both laugh on the ride back to our cottage, knowing we will not see a bathing suit.  When we woke up the next morning — no bathing suit.  I go for a walk on the beach as CeCe sleeps in. When I get back —  still no bathing suit.  So CeCe puts on some shorts she bought yesterday, and we go for a late breakfast.  While we are eating, another server brings a bathing suit to our table.  We are amazed and head back to change clothes for the beach. 

What can we learn from this experience? (Besides being sure to pack the essentials in your carry-on.) Ha! 

The real takeaway here is how simple it can be to create a WOW-worthy experience for someone else. This moment of thoughtfulness didn’t just brighten our day, it completely transformed our trip. Suddenly, our opinion of the resort skyrocketed. And honestly, isn’t this exactly what leadership is all about?

Whether it’s in your personal life or your business, going the extra mile makes a huge difference. When you truly focus on serving your customers (or anyone, really) with your absolute best, you’re not just meeting expectations — you’re blowing them out of the water. And here’s where the magic happens — exceptional service turns customers into raving fans. And trust me, there’s nothing better for growing a business than a squad of dedicated cheerleaders singing your praises.

The Rest of the Story 

Me:  Wow, how nice is that for her to remember to send over a bathing suit?  Now we can head to the beach!

CeCe: It’s yellow and that’s not my color. In fact, it’s my worst color. 

Me:  We are just going to spend a few hours on the beach, nobody even knows us.

CeCe:  It’s too big, too!

Me:  Can’t you wear a cover until we get to the beach?

CeCe:  At least I can get on the beach and enjoy some sunshine!  It was so thoughtful of her to remember.  But I’m telling you now, NO PICTURES!

Finding purpose begins with finding significance, which begins with valuing people. I am better because of this book, I’m confident you will be too!  Mark Cole, CEO Maxwell Leadership

Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey. 

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