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Bianchi -- Working with the public is never dull Tuesday, June 23, 2009
At some time in their life, everyone should be employed at a job that involves working with the public. In other words, waiting on customers.
It's interesting, to say the least. One never knows what can happen in a day. And if you're just beginning any job that will place you behind the counter, the first thing you are told is that "the customer is always right!" Well I've got news for you. They're not!
I continue to be employed on a very part-time basis at a fast food restaurant and every day truly is different. And why do I think that already you are assuming that you know where this is leading to? That it will be about the rude and ill-mannered; or about those who have no patience whatsoever; or worse yet, about how aggravating it is to try to keep your cool when there is a customer who decides their cell phone has priority over workers or the line of people waiting to be served!
I'm happy to say these instances are few and far between, while the majority of customers are a delight to serve and who are the reason why you actually enjoy your job.
Just a few examples:
An elderly gentleman stops most every morning. His routine is always the same.
He buys a soda and proceeds to read the daily paper. When finished, he will return to the counter and order a foot-long sandwich, which he then takes with him.
My hunch is that he lives alone and this is his outing for the day, plus his next two meals. With shaking hands, he struggles to get money out of his tattered billfold. And each day he says, "Thank you so much. Now you take yourself a $2 tip out."
I don't, but I'm sure the young people who work here are delighted. Tipping in a fast food place is not the norm. I try to find a bit of conversation to have with him. Thank goodness for Minnesota weather.
On a recent afternoon, a fellow wearing motorcycle attire and sporting a face full of metal stopped for something to eat. He was polite, joked a bit and left saying, "Thank you, madam, for the great service. You have yourself a wonderful day." I could hear his Harley roar away. I think by working with people in every walk of life one tends to stop over-stereotyping others, which is all too easy to do. One does not have to wear a suit and tie to be a wholesome human being.
Another day a young chap came in. I noticed the school book under his arm. "So are you getting ahead for the next school year?" I asked. His reply was, "Sure am, and maybe get a college credit in advance." When it came time for him to pay he asked for the price of the sandwich with or without a soda. When I told him the amounts, he hung his head, replying, "Just the sandwich then, please." I handed him a glass. His smile was worth a million bucks!
Shortly after this, a family stopped for lunch, mom and dad, three children and grandma, too.
I was impressed by the good behavior of the little ones. As they left, the mom called back, "Sure loved the good sandwiches." The dad spoke to the children, "Don't leave until you clean up the table." And grandma just smiled and said, "Thanks a lot." Whoever says there aren't any good people left in the world is so wrong.
Different? Very. But not all bad.
My day brightener came when a teenager walked in with a smile a mile wide. I just knew he wanted to show off the message on his T-shirt, so I read it out loud. "My computer broke down, so I came outside today!"
Maybe every customer isn't right, but most are all right. |
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