For just over eight years, I have been working as a cashier for a large retailer. I initially thought that working in a retail setting would be a good experience for me because my degree was in business and I thought if I want to start my own business someday what better experience is there then working in retail. I quickly learned that my textbook learning really didn’t prepare me for the reality of running a business. The other thing I learned was that dealing with customers is a lot more difficult than I imagined it would be and more difficult than it appears to the customer. No day is the same and with the holidays you are doing more tasks.
I was driving home the other night. I was clearly feeling worn out and decided to stop at a local fast-food place. As I looked over the menu a young lady asked what I wanted to order, “I will take a number one with a Coke.” As I pulled up to the window, I handed the young lady my card. As she handed the card back, I said, “thanks and thank you for working tonight I know how hard it is to work the long night hours.” As another young lady handed me my bag, I thanked her for being so quick and kind. As I was rolling up my window, I heard both young ladies remark that I was the first one to thank them that night.
Driving home, I thought how sad it is that I was the first person to thank them. Far too often, I fail to notice those who serve me when I think about it and while I have had my share of unthankful people and it can be frustrating when I notice it. I realized it is a choice and it so important to notice a person.
That got me to thinking what would it mean to someone serving us if we made a conscious choice to each day thank someone for serving us? What would it mean if we consciously notice them?
I think rather than making some New Year’s resolutions to better myself. I need to make the choice to tell others how thankful I am for their service and take a moment to notice others. If we just tell one person a day, we will impact 365 people by the end of 2021 and who knows if they play it forward to another person our impact could be even greater.
Up for a challenge?
Thoughts? E-mail: francisearly@francisearly.com
Go Back To The Blog