Have a Coke and a Smile!
Popularity: 5%
So I am standing in an extremely long line waiting for food. I am watching one of the food servers. The line is packed, over 30 people in it. The server is stressed, I mean she is overloaded and not happy. Plate after plate she puts up the food and delivers the meals. You can see the anxiety on her face. She isn’t looking at anyone. She’s got nothin’ to say. It’s my turn to get my cheeseburger from her. I cautiously reach out, take my burger, and with an authentic smile, I say "Thank You!" As the words come out of my mouth, I see a small smirk grow on her face. She doesn’t look up, she doesn’t say anything to me, she just smiles and hands the next person their food.
I forget sometimes it is the little things that count. We spend so much time trying to make a big splash, but everyone once in a while I am reminded that the little things ARE the big things.
What little things are you focused on, if none your missing the big thing.
Now that I think about it, I need to thank her again, because she gave me a lot more than a cheeseburger!
Comments
As someone who worked MANY years as a customer service rep in every place from a grocery store to bank to insurance agency, I think you are SO right when you say it’s the small things that count.
Many of the sites I order from to get my supplies for crafting, sewing, and gardening will include some sort of handwritten thank you. It’s not ever a long-winded note, but the fact that someone took the time to pick up a pencil and write “Thank you Melissa! We hope you enjoy your purchase!” really does impress me. It makes me feel that my business, and my happiness, is truly important.
On the flip-side, whenever someone is helping me and that person is wearing a nametag, I always do my best to thank him or her by name. It makes a difference 
Comment from Melissa R. Garrett on January 11, 2007, 11:00 am
I remember finally getting to the ticket counter at the airport during a storm when several flights were cancelled. I knew mine was. The guy at the counter before me was a jerk to the ticket agent. When I got to her I remember she rolled her eyes in regards to the jerk. It must have been an especially stressful work day for her. I made a point to be as friendly and lighthearted as I could. She reserved me a new flight and in the process we laughed over some chit-chat. She thanked me cordially with a smile and I went on. She certainly relaxed some and I hope she was able to handle the crowds a little easier.
But you know, it also works two ways. I felt better! I felt good about being a good customer in a tough situation. Even more important though, my stress level melted away. Sure I was stressed about my cancelled flight and now messed-up travel plans but my decision to lighten up worked wonders for my own peace of mind.
Comment from Steve Lowtwait on January 11, 2007, 5:47 pm
Hey Steve you are right. There is definitely a benefit to the giver as well. I think we forget that. It goes both ways. We get the treatment we project. If ya want to know what people think of you watch how they treat you. What is the saying, you get the customer service you deserve. Melissa, I think that is why you get such wonderful hand written notes.
Comment from The Antman on January 11, 2007, 7:07 pm
I had been a server myself at a restaurant during my summer jobs. And i remember the rush hour buzz. Inside the kitchen temper’s rise, things fall off. All goes wrong and all at once somtimes. Truly a customer’s smile or humbleness even patience sometimes cheers u up. My restaurant had this rule, wherein we would wish eash other hello, how r u doin, 10 times a day even if it were to the same person. But believe me this did help the employees, as they were always smiling.
Comment from Casey Galatos on January 12, 2007, 2:02 am
Antman, once again you are right onthe mark with this one. In my younger years I was also in the restaurant business, and there is nothing worse than serving someone when they are total jerks. Not only do you not want to be working, you don’t want to even wait on those people. And most of them don’t realize what you really get paid for your job. But it was the times that you got those really great people that were genuinely nice that made your day great. I think this moves on to the everyday life. When I am at work and someone is a jerk, it doesn’t make me want to jump up and get things done for them. WE have to remember to treat others the way we want to be treated. Isn’t that something that we all learn as kids?
Comment from FeedTheBull on January 13, 2007, 12:22 pm
Hey, Antman!
Can’t get over how much you sound like someone I have known for 65 years. Maybe you’d like to meet him sometime?
Comment from Matthew on January 18, 2007, 12:25 pm
Write a comment