How to Over Deliver

It’s evidence of a remarkable person.

Have you ever experienced that delightful feeling when someone goes the extra mile for you? It’s like finding an unexpected gift—a moment that stays with you long after it happens. Whether it’s grand or small, these instances reveal the extraordinary character of those behind them.

Now, you might think over-delivering only matters when it’s something big, but let me share why even the smallest gestures can create lasting impressions.

Let me walk you through some ways to exceed expectations:

Embrace The Teacher's Spirit

Think about our incredible educators. They don’t just clock out when the bell rings— they’re grading papers late into the evening, crafting engaging lessons, and often dipping into their own pockets for classroom supplies. They arrive early to help struggling students catch up, create individualized learning plans for those who need extra support, and spend weekends attending their students’ sports games and recitals.

It’s this dedication that makes teaching truly special. The impact of their commitment extends far beyond academics—they’re shaping lives, building confidence, and creating safe spaces where every student feels valued and capable of achieving their dreams.

Give The Gift of Time

I’ll never forget this story: During a 2016 New York City rally, Elizabeth Warren could have easily wrapped up after speaking to 20,000 supporters. Instead, she spent four additional hours taking selfies with anyone who wanted one. She recognized that for many attendees, this might be their only chance to have a personal moment with her, and she wanted to honor their dedication in showing up.

Sometimes, simply being there longer than required speaks volumes. This willingness to extend yourself beyond expectations shows people that you value them as individuals, not just as part of a crowd.

Build Trust That Lasts

Here’s a personal experience that touched me: At Ranch Milk Mexican Grill in Watsonville, California, I mentioned that my previous order had missed four shrimp tacos. Without hesitation or proof required, the clerk insisted on making it right. This simple act of trust created a loyal customer. Their response showed that they understood the long-term value of customer trust far outweighs any short-term financial considerations.

Show Flexibility With Heart

During one of life’s difficult moments, when twelve of us needed to gather for a memorial lunch after losing a fellow surfer, Cat and Cloud Coffee showed extraordinary compassion. They opened their employee-only area to give us space to grieve together, when another restaurant had turned us away.

The staff rearranged their break schedule and workspace to accommodate us, giving us the privacy we needed to share stories and remember our friend. Their willingness to adapt their normal operations to support a group in mourning demonstrated how businesses can be more than just service providers—they can be pillars of community support during difficult times.

Conclusion

At its heart, over-delivering is about making others feel truly valued. Whether through generous gestures or quiet acts of kindness, it’s these moments that remind us of our shared humanity and the beauty of going beyond what’s expected.

What’s your most memorable experience of someone going above and beyond for you? Comment below!

Mahalo,

Guy