I recently had an opportunity for my second business trip to Mumbai, India. My return flight was on All Nippon Airways – ANA – an overnight flight from Mumbai to Tokyo.
The Japanese flight crews on these flights are always good, but this one seemed even more cheerful, more attentive than most. I watched as they scurried around the cabin, taking care of passenger needs and pushing the heavy food and beverage carts down the aisles. Looked like a lot of hard work, and they were doing it efficiently and with great care.
When the flight attendant brought me my meal, I made an offhand comment, saying that I thought she was doing a really good job. It was just an observation of fact, and I didn’t really think anything about it.
Later in the flight, the flight attendant gave me a nice note, thanking me for recognizing her and saying how much it meant to her. I was surprised and pleased that such a simple gesture meant something to her. It all goes to prove that acts of kindness – even very small ones – can make a difference.
Four Years in Japan ... and now Three Years in London 