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. _Voila tout!_