A few weeks ago, at my friend’s apartment building, one of the kids in the complex started collecting money to help the oil-slicked birds in the gulf. After her hard work, she posted the above note thanking everyone.

It struck me that this is authenticity without trying. Hand-written, darling and completely clear, this is communication at its best. Perhaps once we get serious and in businesses, we forget how simple and direct communication can be.

Could you resist giving more money to help the birds after this note? It would be hard to, that’s for sure.