Lagniappe

Lagniappe is a word  learned in a first trip to New Orleans. In that context it was a little something extra that makes all the difference. It is never mentioned in a recipe, but it is in the dish and it is the reason that the same dish made from the same recipe by two different cooks will result in one dish being superior to the other. Likewise in leadership. If you have ever worked with a leader who had that something extra, you know it can be life-changing and goes beyond great business results.

What is your something extra that makes all the difference to people you lead?

We are persistently on the lookout for examples of a customer service and leadership experiences that illustrate the concept in action. In recognition of each person providing a lagniappe level of service, Route 2 Results makes a contribution to that person’s charity of choice. Here are a few of our favorites from the past few years.

Amber the Caterer and Bob the Minister

His granddaughter’s wedding was one of those magical moments that only comes along a few times in a lucky person’s lifetime. At 88 years of age, the retired minister conducted the ceremony in a nearly-cleared barrel room of a Sonoma County winery.

The temperature in a barrel room is good for wine, but not so good for an 88 year old man. He was soon overtaken and quite uncomfortable in the cold. Bride and groom, mothers and fathers, so wrapped up in the festivities didn’t notice the old gentleman’s discomfort.

One person did, however. Caterer Amber Balshaw, gracefully hustling to set tables and present the first course, saw Papa Bob slumping in a chair and beginning to shiver.

“Are you okay?” she asked gently touching him on the shoulder.

He looked up. “Cold,” is all he said.

“Come with me.”

The better part of an hour went by before Bob’s absence was noted. A short search of the winery found the old man in an adjacent room, a much warmer one, headquarters for the catering crew and the cooking. Sitting in a chair where he could supervise the proceedings, he was asked to taste test each item before it was carried to the barrel room for guests. Comfortable, WARM, and smiling, one of those finest days of life was enhanced through the kindness of Amber and her crew. And that’s a little something.

 

Big thanks to reader Dave Delgardo for this story. Check him out at: http://thechurchoftheopenroad.blogspot.com