We’ve all seen it: that person being unbelievably rude to a cashier, a waiter, or just a stranger in public. It’s cringey to watch, but it’s a thousand times worse when you’re the one on the receiving end. You’re left feeling embarrassed, angry, maybe even a little ashamed for them.
In a world that’s constantly moving at lightning speed, our attention spans are shot, and we’re all used to getting an answer *now*. It makes me wonder, have we forgotten how to show a little grace to each other?
This really hit me the other day at the grocery store. The cashier asked me a question, but I’m a bit hard of hearing and didn’t catch it. I just said, “I’m sorry, ma’am can you please say that again?” and she looked at me like I had two heads. Then she asked, “Are you military or southern?” I had to laugh. “Neither,” I told her, “but I was raised by a veteran.”
I’m not saying we have to be over-the-top formal, but it would be nice if we were all just a little kinder to one another. And believe me, I’ve had my share of foot-in-mouth moments where I think, “Did I really just say that?” But there’s nothing better than the feeling you get when you go out of your way to help someone and see their face light up with a genuine smile.
Think about Chick-fil-A. They’ve done a masterful job of building their brand on politeness. That consistent “my pleasure” you hear after every transaction is simple, but it’s impressive and it makes a difference.
So, let this be a reminder to be kind and gracious, especially to your clients. There’s an old Vince Lombardi quote that always sticks with me: “It takes months to find a customer… seconds to lose one.” Ready to learn more? Contact CommCore Marketing at www.commcoremarketing.com or call 314-308-0799 for expert guidance and support.
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