A Carrot a Day: A Daily Dose of Recognition for Your Employees - page 80

MARCH 16

A HANDCLASP—A SMILE—AND A WORD

By David Horton Elton (Chester’s grandfather)

He came in with a “chip on his shoulder,”

He left with a “smile on his face,”

What was it that changed his demeanor?

What was it that really took place?

Would you like to know just what happened ?

Would you care to learn what occurred?

It’s simple, easy of access:

“A Handclasp, a Smile and a Word.”

A “Handclasp” that made him feel “welcome,”

Seemed somehow to start things off right,

A “Sit down, and let’s talk it over,”

Vetoed his “spoil” for a light.

A “smile” countermanding contention ,

Will anger and discord assuage,

A “Let’s get together and reason,”

Represses resentment and rage.

A “word,” gently tempered with kindness

A patient word, seasoned with tact—

A word, not combative and churlish—

A truthful word— stating the fact.

So the “tonic” to avoid disagreement —

Try it out, I’m sure you’ll concur—

The best of all “medicines,” brother,

“A Handclasp, a Smile and a Word.”