I think businesses and non-profits alike can learn a thing or two from the following truly inspirational story.
The Register-Guard
Appeared in print: Tuesday, Sep 22, 2009
Tony Seminary, an Oregon alumnus who lives in the Portland area, told the Web site EveryDayShouldBeSaturday.com that after he sent Kelly an e-mail with an attached invoice — Seminary’s expenses for his trip to Boise — the new head coach responded with a question:
“What is your address?â€
A few days later, a check for $439 arrived, apparently signed by Kelly.
Seminary told the Web site he was “speechless,†and added: “What he did is simply amazing, and blew me away.â€
Kelly wouldn’t talk about it on Monday.
“No comment,†he said, bustling down a hall in the Casanova Center and into his office. “I’ve got a game to prepare for.â€
But his actions had already spoken loudly. Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti said that during his coaching career, he often received e-mails and letters from fans demanding a refund — “but never an invoice.â€
“Sometimes they want-ed their money back,†he said, “and I responded to them. But I didn’t send any money back.â€
Bellotti said the Ducks’ 19-8 loss to Boise State, and LeGarrette Blount’s postgame punches, left everyone associated with the Oregon football program “disappointed.â€
“I’ve never heard of a coach sending money,†he said. “Chip (doing that) is one for the ages. He earns my respect.â€
And apparently, the fan’s, as well. Seminary didn’t return phone messages or e-mails Monday. But he told the Web site he didn’t cash the check, instead sending it back to Kelly along with a thank-you note.
“I think of Coach Kelly as a totally different person now,†Seminary told the Web site. “I have a different bond with him now. … Let’s just say he lost every game as an Oregon coach. You would never hear me calling for his head. It just wouldn’t happen. The guy showed an incredible amount of class.â€
My take – Being classy and doing the right thing with a client or co-workers goes a loooong way in establishing trust and building lasting business relationships.