Be Nice!
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
“Be kind, for everyone is facing a tough battle.”
“I like smiling. Smiling’s my favorite.”
We have all likely come across the preceding words of wisdom, and while I’m particularly fond of the last one, uttered by the incomparable (incorrigible?) Will Ferrell as he prowled the streets of NYC dressed in a big green suit, all three phrases say so much. Since the holiday shopping season is heating up, as are all the challenges and stresses associated with getting things just right for our holidays, I thought it my duty to remind us all about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.
My perspective is honed from over forty years of customer service. While my genetic makeup leans toward helping others and making them happy, I feel we can all make someone else’s day better if we put ourselves in their elf slippers. This world is a tough place to exist in at times. We feel like we have little control, and it can be so easy to take that stress out on customer service people. I mean, you’re the customer, and therefore always right…right?
Let’s remember that those who wait on you and help you with transactions are people too, dealing with their own challenges. Does it really feel that good to exercise your control over them, just because you can? These brief, self-gratifying wins don’t balance the scales, after all. In fact, you might tip the scales too far, activating that whole karma thingy.
Hey, like a good BOGO sale, let’s do our best to make others happy, which will in turn make us happy. Since I’m such a helpful guy, I’ll lay out the following instances where your kindness and smile will make a huge difference for others who could use a lift.
The clerk at the deli counter.
Now serving number 7! Yes, it’s their job to slice and wrap to your specifications. No, they are not magicians, capable of slicing to half a pound on the dot every time. No, believe it or not, this is not their dream job. Yes, being courteous to these folks will help them smile and cut through the other bologna they’ll face today. Be nice!
A host at your restaurant of choice
You’re hangry and tired after a day of shopping. So are dozens of other shoppers. Restaurants get busier than normal this time of year, extending typical wait times. Is it the host’s fault for giving you the bad news? Of course not, but they’re doing their best to seat you, so why take it out on them? Be patient. Be understanding. Pack some snacks ahead of time to tide you over. Be nice!
Postal clerks
C’mon, be honest. You waited until the last minute to ship that fruit cake to Aunt Gertrude in Sioux Falls. Do you really expect the postal clerk to move Heaven and Earth to get this delicacy to her before December 25th? You know the answer. Make your peace with the reality, thank the clerk for their efforts, and take your lumps. That fruit cake lasts forever, after all. Be nice!
Delivery drivers
These folks are buzzing like worker bees, delivering any number of packages throughout your town and beyond. Will mistakes happen? Yes. Do these drivers have that much control over these situations? No. Thank them for getting things safely to your door, even when driving conditions are horrible. Sand and/or salt your driveway, leave the outside lights on, and keep your dogs inside. Then, smile, wave, and wish them happy holidays. Be nice!
Okay, you get the idea now. These examples are brief (SO unlike me, lol), but illustrate some of the opportunities you have to make someone else’s day better this season. There are many others, so be proactive and look for them! My hope is that you start here and make being nice a habit that continues through your everyday life, regardless of time of year. It costs very little to bring some warmth, joy, and appreciation into this world. We can do this!
Until next week, my friends. Remember, whatever you are, be a nice one!
-Dave
