The Difference Between Good and Great

We have a good public library in our town. In fact, it was one of the draws that led us to settle in Lititz, PA. The building is fairly new and well kept and the shelves are well stocked and the staff is quite friendly. It is quite a good library.

I was dropped off this morning at the library with the kids as my wife needed to run some errands. The plan was to walk home after we got some books. We were about 10 minutes early and since rain was threatening we brought an umbrella. It was a good thing too as it did indeed begin to rain.

As we were waiting, the staff began to arrive for the 9am start. As they hustled into the building to get out of the rain they had to pass by us as we waited. As they scooted in we got smiles and good-mornings, but not one person offered to let us wait in the atrium, the space between the set of double doors.

It's a small point because the library rules are well established and everyone was following them. But that's the point. How hard would it have been to offer to let us wait the remaining 5 minutes in the atrium rather than letting us wait in the rain? The small things make the greatest of difference and it is what makes you great.

How important are these small things? Consider this, the Wegman's grocery chain receives thousands of unsolicited requests for stores a year. People, and these are people who already have a grocery store, take the time to contact the company as ask for a store.

At some point the library is going to want more money from the town, money that comes from the town's people. If the library took the time to do the little things that create a meaningful relationship with the people than folks will gladly approve the funds. But, as just a "good" library people will be more inclined to provide just a "good" appropriation.