Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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The Power of a Single Act of Kindness

24 Sep 2015 By: Diane Gottsman

A Single Act of Kindness

I read a story this morning that touched my heart, and I wanted to share my thoughts. A professor in Nashville, Tennesee was in the middle of his class when a 2 year old toddler walked towards him. He picked the boy up and continued teaching. What could have been an embarrassing moment for the single mom who brought her son to class turned out to be what I consider a life lesson for everyone in the room. Professors Bunkowske demonstrated kindness, care and respect for the single mom and her little boy. He also sent a message to his class that a leader is a person who does the right thing in the moment and takes the big picture into consideration. Instead of focusing on why the child was present, or how the disruption may affect his presentation, he responded with compassion. One simple act got Professor Bunkowske in USA Today (I am certain that was not his goal) and people like you and me, talking about the beauty of the human spirit.

There are opportunities every day that we overlook because we are too busy, too focused and too egocentric to think beyond our personal agendas. But, isn’t our primary job to be the best version of ourselves? To teach our children, guide our employees and to demonstrate who we are to those we come in contact with daily? Our behavior speaks much louder than the volume of our voice.

Today I was reminded of the importance of kindness and how one small act can make a huge impact. Kudos Professor Bunkowske!

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.