The Personal Touch.
About all kinds of paid service there must be a certain monotony; such service implies something that one does for other people over and over again. But though action may become, in time, almost automatic, thought need never lose its volition. And it is one's thought or attitude of mind that counts.
The service at the Firm of Asquith & Co., is, I think, so good because Ministers are encouraged tremendously to give their work the personal touch. They are not afraid to give their individuality full rein, to let it inform their particular jobs, so that each one is enlivened thereby.
If you knew the Cabinet as well as I do, you would appreciate the fact that it is remarkable for the number of distinct personalities among its members—men of marked character and distinction, who are known not only throughout the House, but to a great many members of the London Public as well.
They stand out among their fellow-workers because their service is distinguished. It is not necessarily that their abilities are so especially superior, excellent though they may be. It is that all they do is infused with character. Their voices have timbre; they don't drawl. Their manners are good. They carry out the smallest transaction as though it held infinite interest for themselves as well as you. They never for a moment allow their intelligence to sag. They give to their least varying work that personal touch which is so transforming.
The Firm of Asquith thoroughly appreciates their worth, and openly rejoices in the prestige these star workers attach to themselves. It would have every member of the Staff do likewise—act not merely as a minister, but as a very definite and valued personality.
For that is service as it should be in a modern Government, as spontaneous to-day as it was servile yesterday—intelligent, forceful and gay.
Example is the greatest factor in its fine development. The Cabinet Minister, however young, who can answer every query with a pretty deference, put off an Irish Member with good effect, who in checking your ill-advised inquisitiveness seems to welcome you—such a one receives as much and more, every time, as he gives. He gets smiles, thanks, even deference in return, and very often friendship. His companions notice that. They see how his buoyancy never flags, because it is all the while met with response, stimulated, liked. And the habit of success is very catching. Voilà tout!
Asquith & Co., Ltd.
Had the Cabinet such a watchful and industrious exponent and commender as Callisthenes, never wearying, except possibly on Sunday, its success would be certain.
With amateur theatricals at the Front and war-work at home, the exchanged souvenirs are in startling contrast to those of 1840.
"Accordions.—Sale or exchange, Busson's beautiful flutina, 23 white piano keys, 15 black, portable, light to carry, nice for open air; large ass wanted."—Exchange and Mart.
We are not sure that the last phrase is quite the right one for attracting a purchaser.