One day a week, I volunteer in customer service at a large hospital that serves more than 300 patients daily. Although my role may seem basic, its impact is anything but small.

I deeply respect the nurses, doctors, and hospital staff who do extraordinary work every single day.

During my four-hour shift, I help people with simple questions like:

• Where is the cafeteria?
• Where is the nearest bathroom?
• Where is the ATM?

And sometimes, far more complex moments:

• Consoling someone who has just lost a loved one.
• Helping a confused visitor find their way.
• Calming a frustrated patient or family member.

One interaction always stands out. It touches my heart and leaves me humbled. These moments feel magical — kindness in its purest, most random form.

I realized something important: we all have the ability to bring magic into the world through small gestures.

In business and in life, kindness often gets crowded out by urgency, impatience, and indifference. Yet being present and thoughtful costs far less than we think — especially when we recognize how attention becomes a form of respect.

It frustrates me when basic civility disappears:

• Forgetting to say “thank you.”
• Being so absorbed in screens that we miss people.
• Ignoring opportunities to connect because we are “too busy.”

Small gestures matter:

• Buying someone a coffee, just because.
• Respecting other people’s time.
• Greeting everyone with warmth and intention.

It is not always easy, but it is always worth trying.

Here is the plan — for all of us, myself included. Even if it requires changing our approach or attitude, we commit to small, intentional acts of kindness.

Starting tomorrow, let us be a little more genteel.

When was the last time a simple act of kindness stayed with you longer than a big achievement?

Keep exploring: How presence and intention shape human connection »

Herb Silverman
Herb turns optimism into action by exploring how small ideas, shared stories, and simple connections can create meaningful change. Learn more about Herb »

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