As my flight from Los Angeles landed at JFK earlier this week, the passengers burst into a round of applause. It wasn't because we landed (finally) after a three and a half hour delay. And it wasn't because the pilot had maneuvered a difficult landing.

The reason was that Jackie Powell, a beloved flight attendant, had completed her last flight as a crew member for American Airlines after 43 years.

I had learned about Jackie while chatting with her coworker, Pam, earlier in the flight. She lit up when she talked about Jackie, and of course, I was curious to know more.

Later I had a chance to meet Jackie and after congratulating her on her retirement, I asked about her plans. With sparkling eyes, she told me that she was going to teach bible studies to at-risk girls and planned to enter the seminary.

I understood why Jackie is so special. Aside from having a great attitude, she is proactive, self-directed, and a lifelong learner.

This vignette reminds me of our daily impact on others. The way we handle the most routine of activities has a ripple affect. Sometimes it's more obvious, but more often than not, it's subtle. The good news is that even a slight improvement in behavior can have a positive impact on the team as a whole.

Jackie's legacy is modest, yet powerful. She expresses kindness and collaboration as opposed to indifference and selfishness. I know that she'll be an inspiration to many people for a long time.