--- title: "Spark #6: Think Bigger! Service is Universal" description: "As Mike Donnelly relayed his message about the customer experience to the crowd in Brazil, one thing became abundantly clear: the power of service is universal." image: https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%202.jpg --- [![Donnelly-Group_Logo](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/Donnelly-Group_Logo.png "Donnelly-Group_Logo")](https://www.donnellyeffect.com) [(410) 212-4471](tel:4102124471) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/donnelly-effect/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/donnellyeffect) - About - [About Us](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us) - [What We Do](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us-what-we-do) - [Who We Serve](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us-who-we-serve) - [Our Executive Team](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/our-executive-team) - [Our Story](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-our-story) - Training - [Signature Service Programs](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs) - [Kickstart](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-kickstart) - [Impact](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-impact) - [Ignite](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-ignite) - [Training Types](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types) - [Executive Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-executive-leadership-development-workshops) - [Managers & Supervisors](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-manager-supervisor-training-workshops) - [Front-Line Employees](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-front-line-employee-development-training) - [Training Topics](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-topics) - [Customer Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/customer-service-training) - [Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/leadership-training) - [People Management](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/people-management-training) - [Service Culture](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/service-culture-training) - [Talent Selection & Hiring](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/talent-selection-hiring-training) - [Employee Onboarding](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/employee-onboarding-training) - [Training Delivery Methods](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-delivery-methods) - [Keynote Speaking](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/keynote-speaking) - Resources - [SPARKS! Blog](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog) - [Our Book: Unlock the Magic](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/unlock-the-magic) - [Book a Consultation](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/contact-us-donnelly-effect) #### SPARKS! Blog ### Subscribe to SPARKS! Blog ![SPARKS Blog Image-1](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/SPARKS%20Blog%20Image-1.jpg "SPARKS Blog Image-1") # SPARKS! Blog Get inspiration and ideas delivered right to your inbox! ***Donnelly Effect delivers 17 in '17: 17 actionable SPARKS to ignite your team for better leadership, customer and employee experience and a better bottom line.*** ##### ![Mike Donnelly_Brazil 3.jpg](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%203.jpg?width=598&height=248&name=Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%203.jpg) ##### Last week I traveled internationally and added yet another stamp to my passport. This time, I was lucky enough to spend the week working in Brazil. International travel often lends itself to challenging barriers like language differences or immersing ourselves into traditional cultural norms. But as I relayed my message about the customer experience, one thing became abundantly clear: **the power of service is universal.** #### Service has NO BOUNDS. Smiles and gestures of common courtesy transcend language and geography. A smile means the same thing in every country and in every language. What’s more, it triggers the same emotions in every heart and mind on the receiving end of such an act. Think about how a new customer feels when connecting with a business for the first time. That new restaurant may be just around the corner from your usual local hangouts, but walking into unfamiliar territory may feel like touching down in a foreign country. And until the hostess welcomes you with a smile and an offer to help, every aspect — big or small — is wildly unfamiliar.  In this context, **every simple service gesture becomes exponentially more important. ** **![Mike Donnelly_Brazil 4.jpg](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%204.jpg?width=598&height=264&name=Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%204.jpg)** #### Why this is EFFECTIVE. Whether abroad in South America or locally in the states, the importance of fostering a thriving culture with responsible and engaging employees is **imperative.** This has never been more evident than in the Walt Disney service principals. The most magical place on earth is an international destination for kids both young and “young at heart”. But regardless of your origin, one language is universal — **the language of KINDNESS, SMILES, and COURTESY.** These minuet, yet persuasive actions are what influence your experience and ultimately the most important decision...your decision to RETURN. What the Walt Disney corporation has pioneered is not complicated, yet the famous Disney style of service works on all seven continents. I’ve watched from a first-class seat as cast members took simple service principles and maximized their effect. ##### So, as you begin to diagnose your service culture, think **BIGGER.** In fact, think **INTERNATIONALLY**. Are you transcending ALL possible service barriers with your team? A simple change in perspective just may be your ticket home.  ##### ![Mike Donnelly_Brazil 2.jpg](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%202.jpg?width=598&height=234&name=Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%202.jpg) ##### Want to BE MORE EFFECTIVE? Follow us to learn every 17 in '17: - TWITTER: [@DonnellyEffect](https://twitter.com/DonnellyEffect) - LINKEDIN: [Donnelly Effect](https://www.linkedin.com/company/donnelly-effect) & [Mike Donnelly](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedonnellyeffect) - SPARKS BLOG: SUBSCRIBE on the upper right hand side of this blog post =) ##### Missed our previous SPARKS? Check them out below! - [SPARK #1: The Power of the Pre-Shift Huddle](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle) - [SPARK #2: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[How to Lead in 3's](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-2-how-to-lead-in-3s) - [SPARK #3: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Help Grumpy Find His Happiness...Even if it is Not With You](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-3-help-grumpy-find-his-happiness-even-if-it-is-not-with-you) - [SPARK #4: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Tell a Story: The Power of Narrative Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-4-tell-a-story-the-power-of-narrative-leadership) - [SPARK #5: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Calling All Leaders! How to Make Your Message Count](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-4-tell-a-story-the-power-of-narrative-leadership-0) ***ABOUT MIKE DONNELLY******:** With over 20 years of Disney leadership experience, [Mike Donnelly,](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/about/mike-donnelly-disney-institute-keynote-speaker-highest-rated-best-top) Chief Experience Officer (CEO) of Donnelly Effect shares his insights on [Talent Selection and Hiring](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/recruit-hire-retain), [Employee Onboarding](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/new-employee-orientation), [Customer Experience](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/customer-experience-cx), [Service Culture and Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/service-culture)-among others. Donnelly Effect is home of the exclusive "[World-Class Workshop](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/world-class-workshops)" series and offers [consulting services](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/our-approach/organizational-development) and [keynote addresses](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/disney-keynote-speaker-leadership-customer-service-new-employee-orientation-service-culture) to audiences of all sizes and industries. Since 2007, Mike Donnelly has been a contracted Disney Institute Facilitator, delivering Disney customer service training to audiences across the United States. *   Topics: [Customer Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/customer-service) [Service Culture](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/service-culture) [Employee Engagement](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/employee-engagement) #### Leave a Comment: #### Related posts - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&t=Line%20by%20Design:%20Why%20Great%20Guest%20Experiences%20Begin%20Before%20the%20Front%20Door) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&text=:%20) - [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&title=Line%20by%20Design:%20Why%20Great%20Guest%20Experiences%20Begin%20Before%20the%20Front%20Door&summary=) - [googleplus](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door) #### [Line by Design: Why Great Guest Experiences Begin Before the Front Door](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/line-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door) [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) | June 12, 2026 From physical lines to virtual holds, the way guests wait shapes how they feel long before the main experience begins. #### Related posts - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&t=The%20Human%20Advantage:%20Building%20Trust%20in%20a%20Trend-Driven%20World) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&text=:%20) - [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&title=The%20Human%20Advantage:%20Building%20Trust%20in%20a%20Trend-Driven%20World&summary=) - [googleplus](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world) #### [The Human Advantage: Building Trust in a Trend-Driven World](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/the-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world) [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) | January 16, 2026 Every year around this time, my inbox fills with "top trends" and "predictions for the year ahead." #### Posted by:- [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) ### Posts by Topic - [Leadership (85)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/leadership) - [Customer Service (82)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/customer-service) - [Disney Service (78)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/disney-service) - [Effective Leadership (72)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/effective-leadership) - [Employee Experience (67)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/employee-experience) ### Unlock the Magic! 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Blog Posts © Copyright 2022 | All Rights Reserved | The Donnelly Group ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Mike Donnelly", "url" : "https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly" }, "datePublished" : "2017-05-11T13:16:54.000Z", "headline" : "Spark #6: Think Bigger! Service is Universal", "image" : [ "https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/Mike%20Donnelly_Brazil%202.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/customer-service-is-universal", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/Donnelly-Group_Logo.png" }, "name" : "Donnelly Effect" } } ```