This napkin remained in a hotel stairway for the five days I stayed on the property. It served as a proxy for my observations about the presence of hotel staff in this stairwell and/or their attention to detail. I am not sure whose job specifically details the cleanliness of the common space, but this area was either not routinely inspected, or nobody thought it was their responsibility. I picked up the napkin on my final exit, the litter signifying more than a discarded piece of paper.

What items in your cause await somebody’s notice and action? For a significant case study, see the story behind LaGuardia Airport. It transformed from one of the worst airports to one of the best terminals, but it took $8 billion because nobody acted for decades.