The Simple Truth of Service

The Simple Truth of Service

We each have the ability within ourselves to make others feel special and let them know that they are greatly loved.  We truly never know what others are going through because many times people hide their true feelings and smile when deep down they feel sad and discouraged.  It is for this reason that we should take it upon ourselves to shine the light that is within us so that others may be encouraged and challenged to shine their light so that they may be encouraging to someone else.

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A few years ago I was hired by a large supermarket chain to lead a customer service program -- to build customer loyalty.

During my speech I said: “Every one of you can make a difference.  Try to create memories for your customers that will motivate them to come back.

How?

Put your personal signature on the job. Think about something you can do for your customer to make them feel special --- a memory that will make them want to come back.”

About a month after I had spoken, I received a call from a 19 year old bagger named Johnny.  He proudly informed me he was a Down Syndrome individual and told me his story.

“I liked what you talked about” he said, “but at first I didn't think I could do anything special for our customers.  After all, I'm just a bagger.”

“Then I had an idea: Every night after work I would come home and find a thought for the day. If I can't find a saying I like, I just thought one up.”

When Johnny had a good ‘Thought For The Day’ his dad helped him set it up on the computer and print multiple copies. Johnny cut out each quote and signed his name on the back then he'd bring them to work the next day.

“When I finished bagging the groceries I put my thought for the day in their bag and say: 'THANKS for SHOPPING with us.' And”

It touched me to think that this young man -- with a job most people would say is not important had made it important by creating precious memories for all the customers.

A month later the store manager called me.

“You won't believe what happened. When I was making my rounds today I found Johnny's checkout line was three times longer than anyone else's! It went all the way down the frozen food aisle. So I quickly announced.  'We need more cashiers! Get more lanes open!' as I tried to get people to change lanes. But they wouldn't --- no one would move.”

They said: “No, it's okay --- we want to be in Johnny's lane.  We want to stay in Johnny's lane; we want his thought for the day!”

The store manager continued: “It was a joy to watch Johnny delight the customers. I got a lump in my throat when one woman said:”

“I used to shop at your store once a week, but now I come in every time I go pass by because I want to get Johnny's thought for the day.”

A few months later the store manager called me again.

“Johnny had transformed the store.  Now when the floral department has a broken flower or unused corsage, they find an elderly woman or a little girl and pin it on them.”

“Everyone's having a lot of fun creating memories! Our customers are happy and talking about us...they are coming back and bringing their friends.”

A wonderful spirit of service spread throughout the entire store...and all because Johnny chose to make a difference!

Johnny's idea wasn't nearly as innovative as it was loving. It came from his heart. It was real. That's what touched his customers, his peers, and those who read this story.

Great service comes from the heart.

Be encouraged to say a kind word, buy someone their lunch or coffee and simply make yourself available to hear what they are saying.  A simple act of kindness can cause a ripple effect where hundreds or even thousands of people will be impacted because of something good that you initiated.  Do something nice today for someone else and start the ripple that will touch thousands. I hope this message ministers to your heart to see how one life can bring joy to so many people by doing something nice for someone else.

Will you be a Johnny today? (i am trying my best to be1*)

Stay Blessed!