Humility is an Honest Quality...

On Wednesday evening, I (and 2499 of my "closest" friends) spent our time with the President. Former President George W. Bush, that is. "W" is a man who spent 8 years under the scrutiny of a nation and the national media. His every step being monitored, questioned, and judged. For his term as President was marked with a national tragedy unlike anything seen my generation or many others. An act of terrorism was committed on our soil and it was up to "W" to lead 280+ million people as cohesively as he could.

Was this an easy feat for any man? No. Would any man make mistakes along the way? Yes. How many people had the privilege of leading our nation prior to Bush? 42. Did this fact go to his head? No. One Wednesday evening, we were treated to a night of comfortable conversation, good natured humor, anecdotal nostalgia and the occasional plug of his new book.

"W" took center stage at the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner at approximately 8 pm and shared with us the highs and lows of his presidency. Making no apologies for being committed to faith, mission and serving the people of the United States, Bush recounted his thoughts and feelings behind some of hardest decisions made as the Commander in Chief. He was relentless in his praise of our armed forces, his emphasis on the need for a principled mind and moral fiber to run the country, and of course in his desire to never criticize his predecessor.

The common theme that peppered every quote, joke, and story he shared? Humility. This man ran our country. He's one of 44 to have this commendable privilege. Did it go to his head? No. He's real, raw and at times, self-effacing.

Am I looking to convert you to his fan club? No. In fact, all I hope to accomplish in this musing of mine is to share the fact that I enjoyed my time listening to the President. I admit I was riveted by what he had to say, because I hold a great deal of respect for the office he formerly held. If I could impart only two (of the many) impactful points he spoke, I'd choose:

• "How can I point out the speck in your eye, when I've got a log in my own. The most important verse for any President."

And,

• "I will not criticize my predecessor. I believe when you leave the Office, you exit the stage."

Thank you, Mr. President. It was a sincerest pleasure.

A Southern Hospitality Infusion

I experienced, as I have on previous trips to Texas, some of the greatest measures of customer service and hospitality that I've encountered. You'd be surprised how far these simple gestures will carry you in business, and in life.

• Smile, even when you don't feel like it. Every person I encountered in Texas from the concierge at my hotel to the police officer whom I encountered while strolling downtown Fort Worth, offered me a genuine smile.
• If someone takes an interest in your day, take an interest in theirs. Enough said.
• Treat everyone-absolutely everyone-with respect. I witnessed a man in a business suit stop and assist another man (the latter was dressed in tattered, worn-out clothing and saddled with numerous plastic bags) in his efforts to clear the Fort Worth sidewalks of littered cigarette butts.

Think about this next time you pick up the phone to answer a service call you don't really want to deal with, or the when your co-worker shows up at your office door to ask you the same question for the umpteenth time.

Folks, this isn't rocket science. It's common courtesy.

Will you join me in an effort to treat others how we want to be treated?