The other day, I went to pick up a photo order. You know…photos on glossy paper like ye olden times.
I encountered 2 people while I was there: 1 helpful person and 1 person who didn’t seem at all happy to be at work that day.
The helpful person greeted me in the store and paged the person to the photo counter.
The contrast between these employees caught my attention.
I don’t know whether my community is actually changing or not…
…but I feel like experiencing service with a smile is becoming less and less common.
Was the world a more polite place before the pandemic?
Before 2 day delivery and self-checkout?
I wonder…
It’s sparked some reflection in my own heart about the kind of person I want to be in the world.
I value friendly interactions.
A smile.
Please, thank you, my pleasure.
I love to deliver those sentiments from the heart.
I love to show up in the world friendly and respectful.
And – oooh! – how it warms my heart when I work with a business where the staff is courteous, pleasant, and – yes- even playful.
Do you value service with a smile?
Do you believe that your community’s businesses appreciate their customers?
I think the world is a busy place with many challenges.
Corporations vary in how much they value their customers.
Yet delivering service with a smile is two people, maybe strangers, sharing a moment of kind humanity.
I would like to invite each one of us to experience a life of more playfulness and less stress.
And one powerful, truly impactful way to do that is to decide whether we show up light and friendly or gruff and closed off.
What will it be for you this week?
For me, I’m going to be the change I want to see in the world – more courtesy, more patience, more kindness, more focus on serving with a big smile in my heart and on my face.Â
P.S. I invite you to fall in love with the “Less Stress, More Fun” podcast. Subscribe today! Each week’s episodes offer smart, fun ideas to reduce stress and boost your sense of playfulness.
