Joy & Perspective
Jeff Jones
President & Chief Executive Officer, H&R Block | Board Director | Committee Chair
During the holidays it seems the Red Kettles are everywhere. Usually, a volunteer stands close by ringing the bell and wishing people Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. More recently, with Kettle Pay, the Salvation Army is embracing new payment methods!
This year I was in Manhattan with my family to celebrate Christmas. The city was as alive as ever and we made great memories enjoying shopping, wonderful meals, The Rockettes, Christmas Eve mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and pedicab races up 6th Avenue (we were passengers!).
On Christmas Eve we walked through Rockefeller Center to see the tree, and to people watch, and I became captivated by the The Salvation Army bell ringer working near the ice rink.
Actually, to call him a "bell ringer" is an absolute understatement - this man was lighting up W. 50th Street like nobody's business!
No matter which direction I pointed the camera, people young and old were singing and dancing to the songs he played on his portable speaker, of course, ringing bells in perfect rhythm. I could have spent all day photographing him.
As I spun around watching him and all the people, I couldn't help but to think of the words "joy" and "perspective" -- the power of one person to do his job with such enthusiasm that he literally changed the mood of an entire city block.
As I look ahead to all that 2024 will bring, I want to keep this memory alive. On any given day, when we face our personal versions of sadness or struggle, to be reminded of all the joy that exists in the world if we only take the time to look in unexpected places and be open to seeing a new perspective.
Happy New Year!
Grants Management Coordinator/ Project Manager/ UX Researcher
3wHi Jeff. I haven’t received the best customer service from H&R block and I am highly disappointed and in a huge pickle with the IRS. I got my taxes done in 2022 by Melinda Keller who made SEVERAL mistakes resulting in TWO letters address to me from the IRS. H&R block professionals failed to catch the mistake on the first letter and haven’t responded to me appropriately regarding the second letter. As a company you all have provided ZERO ways to provide the aggressive care I need to resolve and issue created by your tax professionals. I have been left high and dry when I should’ve received serval follow up calls by now. You all have no corporate professional I can speak to above your customer service reps who can only make appointments and re escalate and already escalated situation with a time of 3-5 business days which is ridiculous and unacceptable especially for time sensitive situations. I NEED HELP TODAY and in a company with over 4,000 employees there apparently is NO ONE that can offer me support today
President | Chief Operating Officer | Chief Strategy Officer | Board Director | Transformation Executive| Turnaround Leader | Scaling Startups | Artificial Intelligence Innovator
11moWhat a beautiful post Jeff Jones ! “Joy” and “Perspective”
UX/UI and Motion Design | H&R Block
12moGreat pics! I didn't know that you were a camera enthusiast.
Director of Recruiting @ McKinney | Eternal Optimist | AdAge's Best Places to Work 2024 | Wife, Mother, Partner, Friend
12moLOVE THIS - and sounds like a wonderful Christmastime (your card was gorgeous as usual!). Happy New Year!
CMO | CXO |General Manager | Strategist | Brand | Product Leader | Culture Agent | Board Member
12moSuch great shots! Not sure I have seen this particular guy but there are some iconic ringers in NYC that create infectious energy! I love the intention to celebrate joy and keep an open mind to new perspectives! All the best in 2024!