Is It Really all That Difficult?
Editorial by Angie Starcke
I have discovered recently as I run into people and we start talking that the conversation always seems to go in the same direction. Do people really care anymore? Don't get me wrong, this isn't some doomy gloomy sad pity party of a story. It's quite simple actually. How many times do you run down to say the lumber store, grocery store, pharmacy or even to your favorite local eatery and realize that you have just been slapped in the face by rudeness? It's been a very busy month for me and I've been many different places of business, so I have experienced it first hand. Again, please don't get me wrong because I know that there are many people out there who do an excellent job in the customer service business which, let's face it, is just about everything you do these days. It seems as though the people I'm referring to, are the ones that sometimes have that "I don't care" attitude or feel as though they are being bothered if they are asked a question, or roll their eyes and smack their gum if you approach their register with a cart load of items. I don't think that the higher ups of these companies and chains would appreciate that lack of unprofessionalism in their employees. Why is it such a challenge for some people just to be nice and pleasant? Do companies that hire these individuals look for that in a potential employee? I know that no one can be happy ALL the time but it's sad that rudeness by far outweighs kindness. OK, I'll get off my soapbox for now but I want to give a shout out to those of you that have been super kind and eager to make my short time at these particular locations pleasant. This isn't in any way some free advertising for these businesses, I'm just speaking from my heart and giving praise where it's due. These people, in my book, have gone above and beyond in their professionalism, caring and friendliness. The entire staff at Dr Luna's and Dr Buescher's office, Angel and Perla at Catfish King, Tom at Livingston Diagnostic, the staff in the imaging department at Livingston Memorial Hospital, and definately last but not least is Junior at Jalisco's Texas Pepper. He is a very nice young man with a servants heart (and a great smile) and goes out of his way to give you the best service possible. You don't always know what people are going through so wouldn't it be much easier just to be kind and offer a smile? Working with the public is not for everyone. I believe that you must have a heart for people, have a good attitude, have manners and a especially have a good work ethic. If you don't meet any of these "must haves", then working with the public is probably not for you and maybe you should just consider working out of your home. That being said..... I hope you all have a great day and remember the "Golden Rule". For those of you who don't remember it, I think it goes something like "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you". The answer is NO, it really isn't that difficult.
Angie Starcke resides in Livingston and is a Co-Editor at PolkCountyToday.com.
