At 2:00 pm on August 31, 2001, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) aired the final original showing of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. After more than 30 years of greeting youngsters each day on television with his trademark "Hi, Neighbor," Fred Rogers, host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, put away his cardigan and sneakers for the last time.

This week, the world took pause to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which first aired on February 19th, 1968.

For those who grew up with Mister Rogers (I couldn't wait until "Trolley" came and took me to the "Neighborhood of Make Believe") and for those that now watch our children, nieces, nephews, and/or grandchildren greet Mister Rogers, it is worth pausing for a moment to think of how this man made such a significant contribution to many small - and big - kids throughout the world.

Mister Rogers' messages over thirty consecutive years (and continuing through re-runs) were remarkably consistent, as exhibited by his trademark songs:

• “You're Special”

• “It's You I Like”

• “I'm Taking Care of You”

• “I'm Proud of You”

• “Let's Think of Something”

Always positive, always imaginative, always very consistent.

So what can a children's television show teach that will impact your performance today with guests and employees? We can learn:

• The most enduring and memorable relationships are the ones in which you put the other person first.

• Simple, consistent messages (reinforced in various ways) are the strongest communicators.

• There is enduring value in sincerity, honesty, and encouragement in our day-to-day relationships.

• In this ever-changing world, there are people, values, and ideas that you can count on.

• The greatness of our company is determined daily by the customer's valuation of "what resides inside" -- the delivery of our service promise, our phone conversations, our collateral, our web content, and the overall customer experience.

• We can improve the environment we form for our employees to succeed in training classes, leadership, meaningful work, teamwork, and a sense of family by being always positive, always imaginative, always very consistent.

• And, as Mr. Rogers showed, we can all learn to be better neighbors.

Until Next Friday,