Serving the public...

The public is an interesting group.  Let's face it, we have all had moments when we haven't been the most, err, courteous of patrons.

I consider myself a coffee "snob", but the extent some people go over a cup of coffee is absurd.  "It's too hot.  It's too strong.  It's weak.  It tastes funny.  It's got too much sugar."  We serve the coffee black and you add your own cream/sugar, so its my fault if you add too much sugar and you fully expect me to give you a new cup of coffee.  And yes I do, with a big smile on my face because I am the face of my company.

Serving is in itself a word that connotes being humble.  Have you ever had someone serve you who was so "not" what a server should be that you wanted to slap them?  Well I have, and I certainly don't want to be the one to serve you and get a slap for an attitude. 

We all serve someone to an extent.  I serve coffee and I used to serve marketing programs and presentations.  A sales person to a CEO of a large company to a garbage collector  - they all "serve".  Its the one who receives the service who needs to make the server feel appreciated.  After all, some of these "services" that are offered to us are only available through a server. 

So think of the person behind the counter or under your hood or checking your gas meter as someone who deserves the respect that you yourself expect to receive.  Smile at that person and look them in the eye when they ask if they can help you, don't just walk up and grunt "Give me coffee".  Rudeness is not necessary and should be reserved for situations when you have no other choice. 

Now, how may I help you?