Please, Sorry, Thank you!

January 28th, 2008 | by Suparn@




“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

 

We take care to dress up in sync with the latest trends and behave properly when in business meetings and social gatherings. However, how many times do we bother to thank the porter for carrying our luggage or speak with respect to the service boy who brings us coffee? If you think the status of a person and their financial position are reasons for you to behave well, then think again.

The biographies of the most successful people in different fields have one thing in common. They all knew how to deal with people and that was the secret of their success. "People might forget what you said or what you did, but they’ll never forget the way you made them feel," goes the famous saying and indeed, it is true. 


Let me share an incident that happened to one of my friends. He is a corporate trainer always on the move; stays in 3-star or 5-star hotels while traveling. He is a man who treats every human being with due respect. So naturally when the room boys delivered coffee or breakfast or carried his luggage, he would thank them and ask them questions such as, "How was your day?", "What did you have for breakfast?", etc. Since no one had ever even cared to look at them, they were very happy and surprised by his behaviour. As a result, he became popular among them and every time he visited the hotel, he was recognised instantly and given the best possible service. What he did was quite simple and it wouldn’t cost anything to do that. However, the impact it had was huge.

Let me share another incident from IBIBO itself. One of the most respected Bloggers and HoF member named SC (I don’t want to use his full name as it’s already a forgotten chapter and this post isn’t about the incident itself), read a post by another HoF nominee Blogger (named S) and thought it to be a copy / paste material. Without batting an eyelid, SC directly accused S of copy/ paste. S was not only sad and hurt but was quite worked up defending his original post. There were obviously heated exchanges between the two. A few fellow bloggers intervened and there were several rounds of exchange of comments and blurbs amongst all of us.  

By evening SC had understood his mistake and not only apologized to S through blurbs but also sent him an email.  Though S was quite upset throughout the day, but when he received a personal email from SC, he cooled down. And both decided to settle the matter and continue with what both of them do best – ‘blogging’.

What do we learn from this? The power of ‘Sorry’ and ‘Thank you’. Just a simple ‘Sorry’ by SC and a ‘Thank you, Forget it’ from S closed the chapter once and for all. What both SC & S did was commendable. The respect and love that we had for SC had trebled and same it is for S.

I dedicate these two quotes to SC & S and wish such incident would never repeat itself at IBIBO:

“Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were.” ~ Cherie Carter-Scott

 

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Now coming back to the subject of my post – “Please, Sorry, Thank you!” ~ these are small words, but can have unimaginable effects, if used in the right context and in right earnest.


In our day-to-day life, we are assisted by lift operators, car drivers, service boys who brings us coffee, etc. How happy they would feel if we treat them with respect and thanked them for the service. Even though we pay them money, a few words of appreciation would not cost us anything. After all, basic courtesy calls to treat all people with respect. The words, ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ are the simplest yet the most powerful words in English. We should use them as much as we can and the results are really worth it. In fact, it is one of the key factors for success.

 

“And if you can read this, thank a teacher.”

 

 

(Googled images)

 

 

 

You may want to read an Edit by our very own DA published in todays Telegraph…Its a fabulous analysis of whether India will catch a cold if US of A sneezes! Just click the link below:

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080130/jsp/opinion/story_8833932.jsp

 

Report AbuseRate this post:

  1. 80 Responses to “Please, Sorry, Thank you!”

  2. By Raj Vaida on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    ya Suparna… you are right. very recently same kind of thing happened between me and another blogger because of another ibiboer ’s misunderstanding. It was not serious incident. I was hurt but after that I have realized. We exchange sorry and we three a

  3. By Cindy . on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    ur comment at SP sir’s got mixed with Rajib… just came back to tell u

  4. By subra on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    I have edited it. Thanks for taking me to sunil’s blog.

  5. By Preeti on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    Very touching post. Please, sorry and Thank you - three simple words can make someone’s day.

  6. By Nikhil M on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    hi suppu,kindly read my comments on life is fun’s latest blog,plz help plz help.any 1 listening here???

  7. By kavita on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    This post is perhaps the most beautiful I’ve read among all, it’s simply amazing and inspiring, it makes me feel to be a better person and I’m sure anyone who reads it will feel the same, your thoughts are beautifully composed and written;) Keep writing,

  8. By SecondComing on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    First of all I was deeply touched by your comments on my post. Secondly, I really appreciate this post too. I’ve always maintained that you’re an inspiring force here at Ibibo. This post proves the same. In psychological terms what you have described is c

  9. By Sulochana on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    It’s so nice of you to remind us mortals the power of the simplest of all words .

  10. By umbrella 22 on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    U r verymuch into current affairs ! lol..very nice post. yeah..it’s true. SC and S handled the situation in the best way.

  11. By Cyphor on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    It is said that one’s true character can be judged by observing how they behave with people at lower occupational levels, like a waiter at a restaurant, a coolie on a railway platform, an office boy etc. I think that really speaks volumes.

    By the way,

  12. By violethue on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    i want to thank you sincerely for this post…yes little words such as thakyou,sorry,touch people’s heart in a big way…& the examples u’ve cited were the best

  13. By DesiGuru on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    Powerful words,those.Im my profession I try and follow the rule that’politeness pays’(and I don’t mean cash!).You know what?It pays rich dividends in many ways.

  14. By finders on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    let ibibo decide who is arnie’s sweetheart.

  15. By Tingtong on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    I think I happen to use the word ‘Sorry’ more than the other words, a life full of mistakes . na?

  16. By Anonymous on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    Very true ,Suparn@ !! These small words do have a deep impact and need to be a part of our everyday vocabulary !!They are the sunbeams thet warm up a person’s heart,soul…!!
    Thanks for your warm words ! have a grt day and tc.

  17. By sumeet on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    Can’t agree more Suparna…small things can make a tremendous difference…wonderful thoughts :)

  18. By lalli on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    hi suparna..hwz u?? srry for being so irregular on ur post.:( yeah…forget n forgive is the mankind..absolutely true..:) nice thoughtful post.:)thnx for sharing our DA’s article..:)i really learn a lot from him.:)

  19. By MOIN on Nov 30, 1999 | Reply

    Thanks Suparna for your kind enquiry. The quotations in your post are too good. I appreciate your selection. “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi. Absolutely right. Thanks for providing the link of DA’

  20. By Horizon on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Hi

    Powerful words!!! yes!! it can melt even rocks!!!

    regards

    Horizon

  21. By Arnie on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    ver pertinent post and the way u wove in the recent controversy was commendable…cheers!

  22. By V K on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    I strongly agree wid u dear & I also do try 2 use "Please" , "Sorry" & "Thanku" very frequently in my life.

    Thank u dear 4 writing such a nice blog.I liked it dear.

  23. By Cindy . on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    girlie - i am ur fan u know that… once a again a post to set us thinking… abt the haiku - thankeeeeeeeee :-) .. but the last three haiku, all refer to seasons - 2 (rain), 3(autumn) 4 (winter)…. wink wink…

  24. By R.B.Lakshmi on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Great suparna - if money makes a man , what makes a woman ?

  25. By R.B.Lakshmi on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    How r u friend. Do visit my blogs comment

  26. By Idle Mind on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Please, do post such writings. Sorry that it sometimes goes beyond me (!!) … but I Thank you for being such a great sport @ ibibo.

  27. By Sweet Cute on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    WHAT A CO INCIDENCE i was with a post on the similar topics some days earlier, kindly go thru it

  28. By writer on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    @ dear, u made a post of simple little things around u. choti batein blog, he..he.. Do be at my twin blog on teh sons and daughters of barath..

  29. By ALIBABA .. on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Hello Madam Munnabhai or is it munnibahen,

    Well said but we forget one thing "Jadoo ki Jhaappi"

    I remember once someone told me when I was angry "If you are right there is not need to be angry & if you are wrong you have no right

  30. By Takeabreak on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Mysterious lady,
    well said, we go all out the thank the lady next door, say sorry when we bang into someone during our day, thank people when we are out in groups but when alone we are different. We never say sorry or thank you to our spouses, we wait

  31. By subra on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful post!

  32. By X Yz on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    The effort undertaken by both SC and S to iron out the differences is indeed admirable and worth emulating,if at all the issue crops up again.Its a very bold step - very matured one.THANK YOU.

  33. By Dipankar on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Dear @: Your posts are improving everyday. I enjoyed this one a lot.

  34. By Nikhil M on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    very well said,small things like thankyou,sorry etc has a big impact.n guess wat,the usages is absolutely free of cost..LOL.
    i m very happy to inform u that my blog on republic day is listed under feature blog.2nd time in a week,wooooo,i m so happy..than

  35. By writer on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Aw..thanks for ur sweet comment.

  36. By X Yz on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    baki kotha ………..

  37. By Anonymous on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    "Please" I am "sorry" for not having visited your blog for a few days and "thank you" for your comments… and yes you can save it.. In fact if you notice, once you upload your photo, ibibo gives an opportunity to all blogge

  38. By Sunil T on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Amazing thoughts. Just finished a book called, How Starbucks Saved My Life…exact same sentiments….about a guy who falls from grace and has to work with exactly the people who he never even noticed earlier. now he himself is behind the counter and love

  39. By X Yz on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    In so far as the romantic posts are concerned,I had posted many about 6-7 months back.Kolkata has always been very special to me and its difficult to record everythg in black and white.
    Honestly,it depends on the mood.Maybe in due course.However,now I pr

  40. By MOIN on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    You are absolutely right the magic these words do is amazing. I have experienced on several occasions. Restrain anger and forgive others-very nicely said. Thanks for sharing such a lovely post.

  41. By V. Manohar on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Very beautiful written and thought provoking

  42. By babukris on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    An eye for an eye makes the whole go Blind…How true!!!!Hey r u from Bengal or TN?U seem to know Sivaji…hahahah

  43. By V. Manohar on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Nice post.Thanks for visiting my post and your valuable comment

  44. By Shishir on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks.Nice little things to learn.Nice smileys uploaded.

  45. By R.B.Lakshmi on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Your child is like a plant. You sow the seeds and also reap the benefits of its growth and development. First and foremost you as a parent have to realize your responsibility in nurturing a child to growing into a good human being. And it is just not upto

  46. By R A M E S H on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    One of the nice post on ibibo. SORRY for late visit. PLEASE forgive me and THANK YOU for nice thoughts.

  47. By Simran bhola on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    you define a very big thought very simply and very beautifully. i totally agree with you

  48. By A.R.Karthick on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    rightly said Suparna. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. thats the spirit. simple keys to success and integrity. Wonderful writeup. feel good thoughts indeed. Thanks for sharing.

  49. By S U G A R on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    hey suparna,we all need to follow our moral science lessons done in school…
    really BIG amnesia problem…
    SENSITIVITY IS LOST IN THIS WORLD NOW.
    god bless,thanks for a wonderful post,sugar

  50. By on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Very painstaking, spick and span of radiant constituent. Loved reading it word by word in absolute captivity. B R I L L I A N T – P O S T.

  51. By Annie Asha on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    This is the reason,u r one of the most loved bloggers here, Suparna! Really a kind word spoken or a gentle gesture in our behaviour changes the whole negative attitude n atmosphere around most of the time.Mahol ko gulaam bana deta hai na…

  52. By Sarada v. on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    An incendiary incident de-fused by good sense. Haste makes waste ;and as they say in the south, pearls and words once spilled cannot be fully gathered back. But it takes courage to admit a mistake and a lot of humanity to say sorry.Not only that, to reg

  53. By vinod kumar on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    I will take care to extend the courtesy,,,thank u.

  54. By Rashmi on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Great & very relevant post….& I also admire your efforts to solve the issue….

  55. By InkTank on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    no wonder you are one of the top bloggers here. a very relevant, purposeful, and illumanitating article in every sense suparnajee!!! and now an experience that i had or somekthing that i was witness to - i was at a medical shop, waiting for the counter gu

  56. By charlie on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    please forgive me for being so late in visiting your wonderful blog…i am so sorry that it has been so difficult of late in finding time for my favourite pastime of connecting with my dear friends here…and thank you so much for the warm welcome on my r

  57. By ddbb2 on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    Big thoughts, big posts. 5*

  58. By jyoti on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    very good and powerful post..these three magical words does maka a difference if used at the right time…ur expression is brilliant and highly commendable..

  59. By jayant on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    sure to use these words as often as possible

  60. By V. Manohar on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    VERY EXECLLENT blog VISIT MY post on health

  61. By Cindy . on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    i am SORRY for visiting late. PLEASE forgive me. and i THANK YOU in advance for reading my 3 new haiku!! LOLzzzzzzzz gud morning dearie

  62. By Cindy . on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    HI HA HA HA HA (oops, smile kuchh jyada badi ho gayi!!! bhoot bhi mar gaye)

  63. By Thats Joey ! on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    very nice post!!!, u work for sum NGO lols !!! seriously if not u can do lotsa good working for some ;) , the 1st pic is my stress ball , i wonder how sum1 manage to click her , last time i chked she was Cam Shy!!!

  64. By sundari on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    it is wonderful to be nice in the first place a few polite gestures goes a long way

  65. By arvind on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    very +ve atitute in ur post, yes we should implement these small-2 things so that we can give some happiness n smiles to others!!

  66. By InkTank on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    next post pl:)

  67. By finders on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    its just a fun poll. no offense to anyone

  68. By Chakrapani on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    hey interesting one yaar,, nice work,, go ahead,, hey be in touch,,,

  69. By Niraimathi on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    I generally avoid reading blogs, many a time listless drabs.Your answer to a question on Lincoln make me turn my head and I landed in this post. A real good stuff and thought provoking. I write only the minimum required to keep me kicking, 5 a month. I re

  70. By scholar ... on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    hi……..yeah you are right………..if you want to judge the character of a man look not at his great performances………..watch a man do his most common actions…………………….

  71. By Mt. F@!rY on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    You are so right….reminds of something…wait I shall use it in a blog sometime

  72. By Sunil T on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    PLEASE write a new blog. SORRY to see no new blog. THANK YOU in advance. cya.

  73. By Madhu Vamsi on Jan 31, 2008 | Reply

    hi suparna, how are u doing?? I always do what ur friend do in hotels. It is simple way to make friends. SC has finally learned something and u have given lovely examples to en light bloggers.. My new post is ready for ur comments.. :)

  74. By Cindy . on Jan 31, 2008 | Reply

    i am hosting a Foiku Competition for regular ibibo bloggers. kindly read the definition, rules and regulations on my post… (this is a general comment)

  75. By Vijayaraghav on Jan 31, 2008 | Reply

    Sometimes small things can make a tremendous impact.Good thinking supported by good examples. Keep it up.

  76. By N B on Jan 31, 2008 | Reply

    That is really a very beautiful and nice depiction of those few words which really changes every thing and does amazing gimmick when expressed earnestly.

  77. By ddbb2 on Jan 31, 2008 | Reply

    best post 5*

  78. By Sunil T on Jan 31, 2008 | Reply

    you need to read this and comment please….so what kind of a blogger are you? find out on my blog site http://blogs.ibibo.com/Guroo/Blogger-Varieties-on-Ibibo.html…happy reading!

  79. By Cindy . on Feb 1, 2008 | Reply

    The initial list has been published with links to ur blog. Kindly go through the point thoroughly. If u don’t mind, then put the “participant badge” and the link to my Foiku post on ur blog, to make it more popular and well known among other bloggers. Thi

  80. By moosje on Feb 2, 2008 | Reply

    A very good blog dear and indeed we never have to look down on any one,it can happen to all of us,my father learned me this so did I with my daughter,this one thing happend years ago there was this hotel in Antwerp i had to mke some signs on the doors,mea

  81. By sachin p on Feb 5, 2008 | Reply

    HA HA HA

Post a Comment