Earlier this month I was watching ABC World News, and I got hooked by the teaser, “Later this evening a lesson from Sidney Poitier’s mother.”  I thought to myself, what lasting words of wisdom did the mother of Sidney Poitier impart to her son? 

The lesson was simple, yet powerful, “Always say thank you and please.”  During the taped interview, Sidney Poitier went on to say how many times thank you and please opened doors for him.   His mother’s wisdom, so simple, so powerful, particularly when said in a heartfelt manner.   

That same week I took my car to get an E-check at a local testing site.  It was a VERY cold, blustery day.  I pulled up and was the only car at the site.  A gentleman walked out and motioned me forward. 

As I was trying to figure out where he was going to have me stop the car, I smiled and said, “Good morning!”  As his eyes met mine, I quickly realized it might not be a good morning for this gentleman. 

He took my paperwork, tested a few things, and motioned me to pull the car forward.  Upon returning my paperwork I smiled and said, “Thank you!”  He nodded his head gruffly and said, “Get out of the car.”  I smiled and said, “Yes sir, thank you.”  He looked at me and motioned me to move the car forward. 

At this point, more customers had arrived and a full staff now manned the stations.  The next gentleman was less gruff utilizing some good customer service skills.  The car passed the test and I drove out of the lot. 

A short time later I arrived with a second car.  I was the only customer at the site when motioned forward by the same gentleman.  I admit that I was looking forward to seeing the reaction of my gruff friend.

Something about his gruffness made me smile.  It was like he made an effort to be gruff, but under the gruffness was a gentleman with a good sense of humor.    

He looked at me with a grin and said, “You have been here before.”  I laughed and said, “I sure have, thank you, sir.”  At that moment I could see the tension release and his gruffness disappear.  It was as if a different person was working at this site.  I would not have recognized him as the same gruff person who was working an hour prior. 

Despite a bit of a rough start, it seemed to me this gruff gentleman just needed to be appreciated for his work.  I don’t know what is going on in his life, but it doesn’t hurt to thank him for his work. 

When we respond to people we have a choice to make them feel appreciated or to contribute to their tough day.  Despite the gentleman’s gruffness, I continued to say thank you, have a great day!  Upon my return, he changed his demeanor and made my day. 

We may not see the positive results of our thank you and please, but it might give someone the boost they need for the day.    

Thank you and please, a lasting and thoughtful message from Sidney Poitier and his mother.

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