My oldest son and I stopped in to buy doughnuts -- a treat after a doctor's appointment. As we perused the selection in the display case, the young woman behind the counter asked if we were "ready". "Yes!" my 14 year old human eating machine replied. Apparently she wasn't, for she had turned away to speak to another employee.
She turned back a moment later, ready to go, box in one hand, tissue in the other, carefully placing his selections as she went. He quickly convinced me it was less expensive to buy a dozen doughnuts, rather than the measly six I had been thinking of (treats for the other two siblings at home) so he had quite a list for her. Only once again, she was talking with another employee.
Thinking perhaps she didn't want to deal with a "child" -- although at just over 6 feet, it was not as if I was letting a three year old place my order for me -- I stepped up to finish things off. However, she did it to me as well!
Comical, yes, but frustrating and poor customer service? Absolutely! Nothing she said to her fellow employees couldn't have waited until she was finished taking care of our order. What was interesting is that she appeared to be the manager on duty, and while customer service typically starts at the "top", in this case I was pleased to see that her two fellow employees did not seem to follow her example in that they were pleasant and attentive to their customers through-out their transactions. She could have learned from them.
Oh well, the doughnuts were still good!
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Remember...
When you interact with people, be all there. Turn off the cell phone, stop texting ... make eye contact and focus on the other person. LISTEN to what is being said, don't think about what you want to say in response, or what story you have that will illustrate your point.
It's not only about being courteous, it's also about being respectful and making the other person feel valued, regardless of which side of the counter you may be on.
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