Tip That Man! (General)

I just returned from a wonderful weekend getaway and while I always enjoy a little R&R, I am always observing how business is done in different places. Such was the case last weekend as I repeatedly took a hotel shuttle into the city. The shuttle carried 15 passengers, ran on time, and was pretty mundane, until Ken got in the drivers seat! Most of the drivers were polite, and performed their duties professionally. They greeted the passengers, drove safely, and assisted each on exit from the van. But as I approached the van on my last day, I knew things were going to be different. Ken greeted me with a big smile, asked if we had been enjoying our stay, and proceeded to engage the entire group in lighthearted conversation. I liked this guy! As we filled the van, Ken began to share some tid-bits about the history of the area, and as we began the familiar trek into town, Ken began to identify landmarks, and items of interest. It was interesting, engaging, and unlike any of my previous trips. Our group began to pepper Ken with questions and as he drove he would share insights to the area, suggestions for making the most of our remaining time, and allowed us to truly appreciate some of the scenery that we had passed by previously. This trip to town was too short, nobody wanted to get out of the van! So, Ken agreed to take the long way to the drop off point to include a few “must see” locations and we all agreed to keep our detour secret. Needless to say, as we arrived at our appointed spot, money was flying in Ken’s direction. I eagerly tipped Ken for his service, his knowledge, and his engaging personality, but I was not alone. There were 15 people in line behind me to tip Ken, and I am sure that the folks waiting to get on were not surprised…you see, Ken had already dropped them off and they were eagerly awaiting the new adventure of riding back to the hotel. I wonder if the other drivers will learn Ken’s secret, or if they will just continue to wonder why everyone who rides with him wants to “tip that man!”