DISQUS

stevegarfield · 7 months ago

THAT is an awesone story.

Jim @smashadv · 7 months ago

Brilliant. Brilliant. Sincere dialogue brings out the best in people.

Tim Coyne · 7 months ago

Awesome story.

A similar thing happened to my friend Dan when we were in New York City on business a year or so ago. He left his iphone in a cab. The cabbie ended up contacting his wife somehow, she contacted Dan, and a couple hours later a cab pulled up and handed Dan is iphone.

People are inherently good I think.

Tim

Ben Hughes · 7 months ago

WOW, Chris. That's fantastic!

I've always (tried) to engage others in polite ways, even when they seem to be down on themselves and their general outlook on life. It doesn't always get reciprocated back to me, and sometimes I have to give up, but at least I tried.

It seems like every time you're nice to someone and they respond well to it they either try to pay it forward, or return it back to you double. That's just the best facet I can find of our human way of being.

Ken Montville · 7 months ago

Great ROI and what Jeff Turner (@respres) calls YEO - you engaging others. It's amazing that as much as we try to be "social" online that we forget how to be "social" in real life with real, flesh and blood people, live and in 3-D.

This is a great story and a great reminder that it's important to be "real" with real people we meet. In this case, it saved you a bunch of bucks. My guess is that it would have been rewarding even if you had remembered your suitcase.

BTW, I found this post by following you on Twitter. Ironic, huh?

Craig Coomans · 7 months ago

Great story! Your engaging conversation with the CAB driver surely did play a big part in having the suitcase returned. By engaging people we are etching ourselves in the minds of others and it looks like that is exactly what you did there.

Engage & conversation are two of the most important things when it comes to interacting with people. The funny thing is that I had never thought about it until I start using twitter 6mths ago and started following KM practioners and the like!

LyricalVenus · 7 months ago

Wow, yeah. there's a big difference between someone you make a personal connection with, even if it's small, and just another customer in a long line of many. If you hadn't made that personal connection, even if she wanted to return the suitcase, it's more likely she would have just brought it to a Lost & Found type of place rather than waiting outside where she dropped you off. Thanks for sharing this story with us!

WaltRibeiro · 7 months ago

Epic. So when are we grabbing lunch in NYC? Because our conversations kick ass too :)

Glad all worked out for you!

Steve Woodruff · 7 months ago

Wow. What a great story. I've tended not to be real engaging with cabbies. Maybe that needs to change...

digiphile · 7 months ago

There's the "ROI" of being a fundamentally decent human being who takes the time to connect to each person he comes across.

There's a word for that, used by Steve Garfield when he just called it out in a tweet about your post, derived from an ancient tradition...

Karma.

Your approach to valuing conversations, truly listening, showing demonstrable interest in what the other human has to teach you...well, in this reader's opinion, that's what's brought you such success in this "social media" world.

Maybe, just maybe, nice guys win now. You certainly did on that trip. Goodonya, Chris. Enjoy the day and downtime with your family.

thelittlefluffycat · 7 months ago

Yesyesyes, absolutely YES! What an awesome story. The day we realize that we are all more alike than we are different, the world will change in a heartbeat. :)

Thank you for this. You made my day!

Jeff Power · 7 months ago

Chris, it was fun being the one on the phone with you when she pulled up!
It was no mistake. You treated her with genuine interest and respect. She gave you the same in return.
Of all the things you teach about connection/community, THAT is what makes the world work.
Jeff Power
Global Hope Network, US Mobilization Director

Chris Brogan · 7 months ago

Well, the karma was doubled by talking with you. : )

moriza · 7 months ago

I am 100% sure that your conversation in the cab is part of the reason for her to waif for you and return the suitcase in person. Without it, with her honesty she would have just return it to the lost and found.

Gary Robinson · 7 months ago

It's stories like this that remind you that sometimes you can have faith in others.

The $40 outlay for a £1000 saving is a great ROI, but I think you probably got a little more intangible ROI from her act of kindness

Tara Geissinger · 7 months ago

What an amazing story! I completely agree that the personal connection you made with that woman is what brought your camera back to you. How easy it would have been to just sit back there engrossed in your upcoming meeting notes, Blackberry, etc...and not give her a second thought. Thanks for reminding us of what is important.

dakini_3 · 7 months ago

... can we talk my friend Chris for just a moment about the power of heart ... and the first rule that you teach us ... Listening ... this post is a joy and a testament to human connection ... and also why I choose to spend my time Listening to you. Warmly, Jeris aka @dakini_3

Angela Bull · 7 months ago

Wow - fantastic story, as usual. This is why I read your blog.

Pat Phelan · 7 months ago

Great story
over this side of the pond we have a saying
"Nice to be nice"

Susan Taylor Brown · 7 months ago

Wow! I love this story. It tells us so much about you and gives me hope for humanity in the future.

styleosophy · 7 months ago

It's the human connection that is so rare these days. All it takes is a smile and good amount of being yourself + being polite to others to connect to someone on a personal level. I'm sure why she brought your things back, with no strings attached!

Ginger Wilcox · 7 months ago

That conversation was actually worth a lot more in my opinion- it demonstrates that kindness and graciousness still exist. Despite all the negativity we constantly hear, general politeness can reap tremendous rewards, even if you don't see them right away.

Deirdre · 7 months ago

Chris, this is a fantastic story! The connection you made with the lady cab driver brought your bag back to you. The human connection, no matter where you are, online or offline results in ROI. However, the lesson here is that you could have easily kept to yourself in the cab and not had that conversation about life with a stranger. Without that personal connection, the outcome may have been different. But, your commitment to this short but sweet relationship made the difference. That means that we should all take the time to invest in the relationship, no matter how brief the time spent together. You just never know who you are going to meet and how you will help one another. Great story! I will remember this one :)

Stuart Foster · 7 months ago

Sometimes the goodness of people really does pan out. I'm in disbelief that she was actually able to come back and return the suitcase to you. Then again: you engaged her, talked to her about her life, and generally were a genuinely cool dude. Being a cool dude does tend to sometimes give back an ROI :). Awesome story Chris.

Laura Powers | @hgmarketing · 7 months ago

This story is so touching. What goes around, comes around!

Thanks for sharing.

Didier · 7 months ago

Maybe more ROH ... Return on Humanity.

Thanks for sharing with this woman (and with us) !

:-)

Kimberly · 7 months ago

Interesting post, thank goodness you got your stuff back! I believe that as humans we need interaction. Your gesture of creating dialogue and asking her about her life shows that you are a selfless person that genuinely wanted to know how her day was and details about her life. As a seeker of info, I'm sure you learned some interesting facts from the details of her life. So it would only make sense that she had a vested interest to return your belongings to you. Had you not engaged in coversation, or invested in her product (marketing take) you would have never gotten your stuff back or had any ROI. Great post.

Janet Fouts · 7 months ago

That's a great story Chris. It takes so little for us to engage someone in a simple conversation, and usually it's more interesting than reading email on your phone while in the cab anyway. Simply being nice to people whenever the opportunity presents itself always returns. You're just never sure when or where.

kells · 7 months ago

chris, your story concurs with what one of my school's tenets: connect with the student (customer) for a positive outcome for everyone. to connect with them in a meaningful way, on a personal level, reaps results not only in classroom work & behaviour, but also exam marks. of course it's not possible to connect with all 150 students, but we try, damn hard.

very kind of your driver to return and wait for you. if only more people were like her.

kells · 7 months ago

whoops, backspace error, lol! (with what)

BiZZantik · 7 months ago

Wow. Makes my heart warm on many levels.

You made the effort to engage in a conversation with a cab driver. What a lot of people don't realize, is that many cabbies are some of the most interesting and nice people on earth.

Your connection with her brought that bag back to you.

Kyle · 7 months ago

Just when you've lost almost all faith in people, you find a story like this to restore it at least to some degree. Maybe the world isn't doomed after all and there is still some hope for humanity.

DorjeM · 7 months ago

Sweet mate!

I just love how you're able to draw lines between what most would find disconnected events.

Lines that count and "speak", pardon the pun, to people.

DorjeM

Lisa · 7 months ago

One of those great stories that restores your faith in humankind. Thanks for sharing. Glad it all worked out.

charlesfrith · 7 months ago

I think a hundred bucks would have been appropriate.

Davis · 7 months ago

Chris;

That's a great story. I am glad you had your property returned and were able to share some news about a positive experience; some people might say especially in NYC.

Like you, I am really an optimist at heart. But that is tempered by pragmatism. it is my belief that generally people would prefer to do the right thing. Sometimes it is easier (more expedient) not to. And while I concur that your conversation and the friendly and sympathetic dialogue that was exchanged definitely did not diminish the likelihood of the cab driver returning your bag, I offer you this: because of who she is/was, the driver delivered/returned your property. Because she is fundamentally honest, she returned your property. Sometimes, things just work out and I would offer that perhaps even in the case that the two of you had not had such a pleasant conversation and exchange of ideas or information, she, being fundamentally honest, would have done the right thing regardless.

Perhaps the moral of the story is that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but clearly, it is best not to forget your bags.
Kind regards,

centernetworks · 7 months ago

awesome story - i can share a similar experience - i got into a cab in manhattan and took a ride to my apt - i felt like i was sitting on something and sure enough i was sitting on a man's wallet - figuring if i gave it to the cabbie the person may never see it again, i took it - got up to my apt and opened the wallet to find a TON of cash (no idea how much) along with loads of cards - i will leave out the man's name but no matter what i searched online i couldnt find him - then i thought - he has an insurance card - let me call his doctor - i told the nurse that i had this guys wallet - she of course told me she couldnt give me his info - i said fine - just give him my number - he called 5 minutes later - we met 15 minutes later - the man was in full army (i think) gear - huge man hugged me for what felt like 10 minutes - he said he was leaving tonight to go to iraq and without the money and his id cards he was in big trouble with his superiors. i told him not to worry, it's all there. so chris - believe that even though some test said humans aren't trustworthy - there are lots of people who are - and i have to disagree a bit - i bet the woman would have helped you even if you just sat there and said nothing for your journey - people are right no matter what the outside forces are. it's why relationships are so gosh darn important.

mayhemstudios · 7 months ago

Chris

A great story. You're real, genuine and want to connect with everyone, no matter who they are. Thanks for being you. :)

Bill · 7 months ago

Sure is good to hear a story like this every now and then. Keeps one from completely giving up on the humans. Glad it had a happy ending for you.

Phil Stanoch · 7 months ago

Great story Chris! It's amazing how taking a little time to get to know someone can lead to such great things.

zenaweist · 7 months ago

As I read your post, I found myself saying this is Chris and his big share way of life. You truly listen to everyone you come into contact with. You walk your talk. You have an amazing gift and you are constantly showing us how to "share" by simply listening and having real conversations (not just polite back and forth) with individuals.

Just shared an example of (no pun intended) how you "pay it forward" with a group of amazing social media Kansas City women and men yesterday at the Chicks Who Click conference. I told them how I gave you a book, The Horse Boy, after I finished it because I thought you might enjoy it (but knowing how swamped you are, not knowing when you'd get to it.)

I was clear I gave it to you with no expectation, this was a "break" book for your enjoyment.

We walked through this chain of tweets:
http://twitter.com/chrisbrogan/statuses/1757197474
http://twitter.com/TheHorseBoy/statuses/1773439021
http://twitter.com/chrisbrogan/status/1773486540
http://twitter.com/TheHorseBoy/status/1773567554


and I think I speak for all the #cwc09 group in saying we all felt this full circle "we are all connected" great karma moment.

Goodness follows you because you lead with greatness.

Thank you, Chris, I've learned so much from listening to you, reading about your experiences and being lucky enough to watch you interact with others.

Katybeth · 7 months ago

What a great story--one both you and the cab driver had the opportunity to share throughout you day. I wonder how the cab driver shared the story with her family.

Adeline Chua · 7 months ago

That was an awesome story, Chris - especially seeing the chances of someone honest enough to return a complete stranger's things. The fact that she even waited for you to finish your meeting (opportunity cost of driving away to make another sale) ... really amazing. That's the pinnacle of Boston Cabs' hospitality for you! :) Seeing the earlier threads, I think someone should start a website collecting "Great Cab Stories" ;) It's heartwarming to know there are still decent and honest people around (despite the economic doom and gloom and dishonest ppl out to make a quick buck out of everyone else).... :) This truly made my day - thank you!

Lloyd Lemons · 7 months ago

Enjoyed your post. Great story. It's stories that connect us and stories that keep us connected. (Glad you got your camera back too!)

Mina Sirkin · 7 months ago

Treating everyone from every walk of life as if they are your family is priceless.

Mina Sirkin
http://www.SirkinLaw.com

Ritsa · 7 months ago

Great story Chris. A similar thing happenned to me - picked up from the airport, had a wide-ranging conversation about life with the recently arrived cabbie, left my brand new fancy work phone in the back of the cab. I was at a big conference centre, and the cab driver came back and searched through several conference rooms for me.

Gave him a hug and some money, offered to marry him so he could stay in the country,(he said he'd have to ask his wife) and then I wrote a long letter to his company about what a great guy he is.

Yes, I think our conversation in the cab made a difference. However, I am also a great believer in the kindness of strangers.

Terry Stratoudakis · 7 months ago

Great story and I totally agree on your alleging that the two are related! The personal connection is becoming more and more understated but with such stories we see the things that bind us all together.

KushMoney · 7 months ago

Sound like me in a cab, I always talk to the cab driver. I think the heartfelt conversation is what made the woman want to return your bag.

Siobhan bulfin · 7 months ago

Treat others the way you'd like to be treated and they might just treat you the same back. Great story. Same thing happened to Sharon Crost in Wellington, she left her wallet in the cab, he then found her on Cuba St.
A friend and I agreed the other night, that invariably the most interesting conversations you have if out on a Friday night, are with the cab driver on the way home.
It's about connecting yes. It's also about respect.
Good for you, and good for her.

Fabulous Photo Gifts · 7 months ago

You just can't beat a friendly smile or a word or two of interest in what that other person is doing.

Cabby of the year award potential i'd say.

Quite bizarre because I was only trying to explain this to my 13 year old son saturday at their Scout's plant sale - the Scouts carry peoples purchases back to their cars etc.

As we helped one old lady back to her car, I smiled and said politely "looks like someone's going to be busy if the weather holds" motioning towards the plants.

There started a lengthy conversation about her garden and her plans etc that lasted till we got to her car. I made an extra effort to make sure the plants wouldn't tip over etc and my son got a tip.

As we walked back to the plant sale, we talked about engaging 'strangers' in positive conversation to help them feel their time wasn't wasted and enforce their positive experience of the plant sale. Next years customers for sure.

Chris Jones · 7 months ago

Extra points for connecting with the hardest "target audience"... cab drivers. Last taxi I took in NY the driver threw the change at me when I said he could keep it. Thanks for sharing this great story.

Sharon Hearty · 7 months ago

Got goose-bumps, brill story. Sharon

deanholmes · 7 months ago

Chris,

You have hit on something that I have been practicing for years. What you have experienced is Psychology and the human inability to react in kind to like gestures.

Sales has been doing this, unknowingly for years, without training, they like Pavlov's Dog, learn the art of Psychology by taking the hits on the chin and figuring ways to eliminate this pain.

Most of us do this instinctively, but there are those who take the other side, maybe to avoid a discussion into the "unknown". I on the other hand, like you, prefer to learn from others, no mater the culture, geography or race because I find I grow as a person and too often learn more from a brief conversation I never would have known before.

I suspect there are many stories that we have as a population, that would prove out a similar set of metrics, however, getting to those stories is why we have Blogs - wish there were more of these uplifting "Acts of Random Kindness" (ARK).

Great story...

Dean Holmes
deanholmes.me

Peter O'Connell · 7 months ago

I hope you got her tag number, name etc., so you can send her company a letter (maybe even copy the NY Cab Commission). There ARE good, honest cabbies in NYC and you got one of three...let her bosses know in writing.

Best always,
- Peter

@sarahmerion · 7 months ago

As I read this I wasn't in the least surprised. You have that effect on people - which is why I think the cab driver was gracious enough to come back and return your suitcase. This is a lesson to us all on how we need to treat every single person we encounter in life with respect and kindness. It pays off.

Pixie Stevenson · 7 months ago

Chris, great story. It's your power of connection on a real and personal level that i appreciate about you the most. It is that gift that makes you a success.

I think the beauty of this encounter was that you were "good for nothing" without expectation of return.

Elevenser · 7 months ago

It's a great story, Chris, and I'm glad it turned out so well. Like you, my impulse would have been to reward her. I wonder, though, why we feel as though we should pay people for their honesty. Sometimes it's the best and most personal gift given, so would we do it more honor by graciously accepting it? I'd really like to know your thoughts on this.

LisaKennally · 7 months ago

What an amazing story. Your are so right about making connections. All it takes is just a teeny bit of effort and the payback is enormous!

carrie · 7 months ago

Great story, and so glad you got your bag back. Do you think if you hadn't had such a great conversation with the driver, she wouldn't have doubled back? Also, I find it interesting that so many of the people who commented on this story think it happened in New York! That shows you another valuable lesson -- the power of stereotypes, the story "around" and story, and the legacy of New York City cab drivers.

PS I moved to CA from NYC 2 years ago so I don't take cabs much now, but when I did, I tended to not want to talk, only because I usually wanted to zone out and look out the window, etc. Maybe I will be more interactive in future, whether or not I have luggage in the back.

paulmerrill · 7 months ago

Great story! One aspect of the equation not covered is how connecting with people just makes you feel better about yourself too.

cindy espinoza · 7 months ago

This is classic! After working customer service for 8 years, I could never understand how many people dont know the simple lesson: when you are nice, polite, and friendly-that person will WANT to help you. its so easy. if you are demanding and cold, they just want you gone!
conversation is key! do unto others? it always comes back to you!

Doug McSorley · 7 months ago

Chris - great story and also great to hear that your stuff was returned without an issue. There is some good still in the world :) I totally agree with you in the sense that was great ROI within this story. Great job! Doug (@dougmcsorley)

Mary Cullen · 7 months ago

I left my laptop in a cab in Victoria, British Columbia a few years ago. The cab driver had picked me and my family up at the ferry and brought us to the house where we were staying. I was heartsick when I realized this, because I was going to be on vacation there for two weeks, with no way to stay in touch with my business, plus I'd lost a critical document. I had no way to reach the cab driver.

Late that evening, the cab driver pulled up to the house. He had noticed my laptop in the back seat when he returned home after a long day at work. He lived well outside Victoria and drove far out of his way after work to hopefully find me at the house, to return it.

I'll never forget what he said: "You're a kind lady with a nice family. That's why I am here. Enjoy your stay." Most people are inherently good, especially when we connect truthfully and respectfully with each other.

Thanks for sharing your story, and reminding me of that cab driver who validated honesty and kindness.

jeff shuey · 7 months ago

What a wonderful story. She did the right thing, you did the right thing ... life goes on and everyone has a smile (with a nice positive story to tell). That's how life should be. People helping people and Doing the Right Thing. People make the Difference.

I think your gregarious nature made the initial connection with the cab driver. To you she was more than just a cab driver - she was a person. People make the Difference. Thank you for sharing.

EH · 7 months ago

What a great story! I'm sure your conversation was what made the difference. Think of how many busy, inconsiderate, rude people she had driven. You must have been a breath of fresh air to her! We need to remember that no matter where we are or what we are doing, those we interact with are people and we should treat them with the same respect and interest that we want to be treated with ourselves.

Taking this into business, if we treat our clients/customers with respect and interest no matter what, it is bound to have a positive affect on the way they do business with us. Whether it be in positive reviews, increased business, or referrals.

Viv · 7 months ago

Wonderful story and restoring faith in the human race. I lost my wallet on the bus (I live in London) a few months ago with everything from Driver's license, personal and business debit cards, bank details and some other precious items. The wallet had little cash (£3 or about $5) so I wasn't mourning the loss of that, but the fact I had to change all my details again! About a week or so later I got a notification from the lost and found bus dept saying I should call in. I did and they had my wallet! Everything was there minus the £3 but that was a small amount to lose! The human race! Great people still exist out there.

SteveAverill · 7 months ago

Bringing out what is best in people can create "ROI" is you are willing to engage with them. Genius post.

Jamie Favreau · 7 months ago

I guess the truth is people do business with who they know, like and trust.

So if you are pleasant you are going to be memorable and this is why she probably felt able to help you. She knew you were engaging and listening to her. I guess this is why I am always nice to my season ticket holders. You never know who they know and how they can help you or how you can help them some day.

katbron · 7 months ago

Great post Chris - you are interested enough in someone else to engage them in conversation and they reciprocate by caring about you - good stuff. Absolutely ROI success!

Meghan Beattie · 7 months ago

Well I'm pretty sure we are the same person afterall Chris... My friends and family are constantly making fun of me for the interactions I have with people... Grocery store clerk? Security dude in my building? Deli delivery guy? Sandwich artist at Subway? Check, check and check. I have ALWAYS made conversation with these people because I love people, having new experiences and making new friends in the most unique way. I know my Albertson's girl last night was almost finished her shift... I know my waitress was hungover.... I know that the guy who just walks around filling up water glasses was named Marcos. I love getting a smile from a face that looks down. And although my goal and purpose and NOTHING to do with a reward, I have definitely seen perks in this tactic. The grocery clerk gave me extra coupons, the security dude gave me a keychain/weapon to protect myself in the parking lot, the deli delivery guy brings me a cookie every time he comes and the waitress gave our table a little extra attention while we laughed about our crazy night. I don't know why more people adapt and learn that taking a minute out of your day to introduce yourself could lead to great things and blossoming friendships.

SBShields · 7 months ago

Awesome story!

Having lived in Boston for 3 years, I, too, have come to realize that a little human interaction goes a long way. It's often difficult to remember to be human in the midst of running around trying to meet deadlines.

Great Post!

mistressmia · 7 months ago

There is no them and us - there is only "us". How we treat every person in that moment when our atoms mingle matters. Thank you for sharing this story.

I am a hobo with a vagabond disease. My whole life is in suitcases and I often hold my breath as the last one takes seemingly forever to come off the luggage carousel. I lost my phone recently and all I could think of was the video of my daughter being a ham ... I wouldn't want to loose it. Returning 24 hours later it was exactly where I had left it. Perhaps we need a patron saint of lost technology?

Norberg · 7 months ago

Wow. Great story! This reinforces the fact that personal relationships make for good business. I worked for years trying to build up my businesses the common way of barraging too many people with too little personal contact. Positive ROI is always stronger when you take the time to make things more personal.

Now it's all about taking (sometimes too much) time to make things work. But, because I take the extra time to, trust is formed and business is stronger, and lasts longer.

Thanks again for sharing this! Well written and too the point. Keep at it!

Bill Gibeault · 7 months ago

The large response to this post tells a story about the power of Storytelling. We all love a great story !

abhishekraiji · 7 months ago

Chris hi,
Most of us are brought up with the similar values , that is to be compassionate and loving and so on. However the litmus test is to exercise those values against the lure of money, greed, fame and other such crap.
Since we in India, are still not very close to technology therefore we get to be closer to real lives' stories unfolding in our by lanes, crowded streets, slums at times, deserted villages, urban ghettos, affluent neighborhood and the list is endless.
We are going to cover such stories and plan to differentiate ROI in their lives with the tools which we apply to Social Media , as these people form a population which is bigger than Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, FriendFeed and Google visitors all put together. Their life-stream is constantly live and they do not shift online and offline.
During the same pursuit I happened to read your post , and I instantly connected with it. Thanks a lot for showing your gratitude to the lady.
Cheers,
Abhishek

messagemasseuse · 7 months ago

Wonderful anecdote about the value of connecting....anywhere.

businessethos · 7 months ago

Great story!

Every connection we make is valuable. Excuse me...invaluable!!

Christian DE NEEF · 7 months ago

In November of last year, I was returning home from the 1st someso conference (Zurich). I had left my luggage at the hotel, and the conference had ended later than expected, so I was a bit in a hurry. I boarded a taxi on a street corner and had the driver wait for me at the hotel while I picked up my luggage and then we went on to the airport. Being late (and worried that the check-in would close) I had prepared ample money for the driver and upon arrival I paid him and got off the taxi. No time for a receipt. I was the last passenger to check in and had to run for the plane.

It's only by the time I got to the gate that I realized that I didn't have my phone... I had left it on the back bench of the taxi. I didn't have anything from the taxi driver, didn't even know the name of the company he was driving for. The only thing I could do was calling my own number, hoping someone would pick up the phone. My phone! But in doing so, I got diverted to voice mail over and over again... The phone was lost. Certainly the driver had taken out the sim card and was now enjoying my phone, or so I thought. It was not the 1st time something like this happened to me, I was just angry at myself that I should care better for my own stuff. I obtained a fresh sim card from my carrier and put it in a replacement phone. When I listened to my voice mail, there was a call from the Marriott hotel, telling me the taxi driver had brought in my phone... Unbelievable! But true.

Was it honesty? To a certain degree, maybe. But it was also rapport, human relationships. I had spent some time with the taxi driver, paid him reasonably well and without hassle. So it wasn't anyone's phone, it was someone's phone, my phone! It always pays to be authentic and personal, whoever we deal with.


@cdn

Anthony · 7 months ago

Great story. I just did a presentation on the importance of relationship building in any engagement. This a wonderful example. Thank you for sharing. I am passing it on to others.

C.H. Low · 6 months ago

If you had been rude or arrogant, I am not too sure that even if she was honest that she would cared to make the EXTRA effort to return the suitcase directly to you.

Great story that there are only benefits to being nice no matter what's your status!

L · 6 months ago

You say your discussion with her touched briefly on cultural differences. In the Afghan culture, honesty and integrity are uncompromisable. Full stop.
Our culture is such that you had certainty your belongings would be stolen.

Which is the developing world, I sometimes wonder?