The Wisdom of 'One Size Fits Some'

In the latest episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura explores a productivity and hospitality strategy that challenges the need to reinvent the wheel for every social interaction. Drawing inspiration from Will Guidara, the former general manager of Eleven Madison Park and author of Unreasonable Hospitality, the podcast introduces the concept that while "one size doesn't fit all," adopting a "one size fits some" approach can be the key to making people feel cared for without the unsustainable burden of constant innovation.

The Challenge of 'One-Size-Fits-One'

Guidara notes that while Eleven Madison Park became world-renowned for "extraordinary thoughtfulness"—such as providing a sled for diners experiencing their first New York snow—this level of "one-size-fits-one hospitality is hard to scale." Attempting to constantly craft bespoke, extravagant gestures for every individual is an exhausting and impractical standard. As Laura explains, "you don't have the time to start from scratch" every time a situation arises.

Applying the 'One Size Fits Some' Framework

Instead of "shoehorning" every experience into a generic mold or stressing over unique solutions, we should look for "patterns in what happens." By identifying these recurring scenarios, we can develop a "menu of existing responses" that are both thoughtful and efficient.

1. Meaningful Gifts and Mementos

Guidara illustrates this with the example of engagement proposals at his restaurant. Rather than brainstorming a new surprise for every couple, the staff utilized a pre-established template: serving champagne in "Tiffany blue boxes" with branded flutes. The couple received a beautiful "memento of the moment," and the staff successfully provided a delightful experience without needing to "come up with some new way to delight every newly engaged set."

2. Streamlining Communication

This philosophy applies to everyday correspondence as well. Laura suggests that "one size fits some" is perfect for writing thank-you notes or sympathy cards. By maintaining a "core sentence of condolence" or a reliable structure, you can achieve 80% of the task without staring at a "blank page" every time. You retain the ability to "change things up for very unexpected circumstances" while automating the routine.

3. Simplifying Hosting and Entertainment

In the realm of hospitality, having "a few go-to dinner party meals" allows you to "delight your guests without overthinking it." Similarly, for out-of-town visitors, one can develop a "menu of perhaps five destinations" in their local area. When friends ask for recommendations, you can simply "copy and paste the destinations that are a good fit" and hit send. This transforms a potentially time-consuming task into a quick, helpful gesture.

Conclusion: Efficiency Meets Care

The true wisdom of this approach lies in the balance between personalization and practicality. You are not trying to treat every person the same, but you are acknowledging that "given the pace of life," you need a system to manage your interactions. By developing "great responses to common patterns," you ensure that you are still responding with care, while saving your creative energy for those truly unique situations that demand a one-of-a-kind response. As Laura concludes, this strategy helps us "get a lot of mileage" out of our efforts while making the most of our time.