You might not think a medical practice has anything to do with garbage collection. I would argue otherwise. My colleague shared a story with me yesterday that drew the connection.
She has had the same garbage man for at least 10 years now. Every Monday and Thursday he arrives on time with a huge smile on his face and a friendly “Good Morning. How ‘ya doing?” When her son was little, he would wait at the window and run out to greet the truck and watch the “action.” The garbage man would take the time to talk to him for a couple minutes before moving on to the next house. If the little boy wasn’t at the window, the truck would honk and wait an extra minute for him to come out. If my friend was on a walk or at the bus stop when the truck went by, he always honked and waved. If the weather is bad, he takes the time to move her cans up near the house. At Christmas, my friend’s little boy always makes a card for the garbage man, and my friend slips a Publix gift card into the envelope.
For the past couple years, my friend’s son has been in school before the garbage truck arrives. Just last week, my friend happened to be in the driveway when the truck pulled up, and the garbage man stopped and got out of his truck to say “Hello” and asked, “How’s my little buddy doing? What grade is he in now? Tell him I miss him, but I know he is growing up and doing great.”
Arriving on time. Smiling. Having a great attitude even if your job “stinks.” Greeting folks warmly. Remembering. Making the most of each human contact and connection. Taking an extra minute out of your day to deliver that extra bit of service. Isn’t that what it is all about? How much better would your practice be if everyone took a lesson from this garbage man? Or for that matter, the world?