The Thank You Experiment

So anyone who knows me, or really anything about me is aware that I have a small Starbucks problem.

It’s just that, now I live really close to one, and I like to think it’s an office that I pay a couple dollars a visit to use several times a week….

I have met the staff, all very sweet people who as a general rule go out of their way to be good at their jobs.  Which makes it even nicer to go there.

Yesterday, I heard someone complain about what they felt was bad service.

Even though the slight was imagined, after much apologising by the staff and much ignorance by the customer, he eventually left with the managers number.  He then took the time to call immediately after leaving to further berate them for his perceived wronging.  He even returned later to explain the ways he felt he had been inconvenienced.  His over the top actions brought a couple of the girls working to tears.

And I realized something.

The time that this gentleman took to point out what was a completely fictional wrong that he felt he had been committed, was amazing.

And it got me thinking.

How often do we go out of our way to take the time to point out ways we have
been wronged?


When we receive terrible service we are so fast to leave that angry comment
card, to ask to speak to a supervisor, to demand that our grievances are heard.
 

Sometimes we are justified. 
Sometimes we are just in a bad mood.

But what about those times when a waitress, barrista, cab driver, doctor,
retail, gives a little bit more than expected?

What about when you are tired and cranky and the waitress plays peekaboo with
your toddler?  Or that barrista who consistently remembers your name and
order every time you come in?  How about the dentist that calls to follow
up with you from home on Christmas Eve?  The retail staff who helps you
box up that last item that was on display because you really, really wanted
it?  The police officer that smiles and lets your son wear his hat for a
moment in line at the store?

The staff at my Starbucks remember this ridiculous order every time I come in.

How often do we go our of our way to appreciate their work?  Talk to a
supervisor just to say ‘that staff member offered great service’?  Fill
out a comment card that says ‘everything was amazing, thank you’? 

What about bringing coffee to a police officer directing holiday
traffic?  Donuts to the power company workers out in the cold after a
blackout?  Calling the manager of the restaurant with a positive review of
their staff?  Having your kids draw a picture to say thank you to that
dentist who goes out of his way to make them feel comfortable in his chair?

Me?  I went to Starbucks today with a bundle of holiday sparkly
Sharpies and Hershey’s Kisses to say ‘I’m sorry your day sucked
yesterday.  But I think you are great at your job’

It took me 5 minutes to make them feel appreciated and it made me feel pretty good, too.

So today, I have a new series.

I believe seeing good deeds drives more good deeds.  So here’s the
plan.

1. Do something to say thank you to someone who serves you.  Do it.  Sooner than
later.

2. Take a picture and/or write about your experience and your appreciation.

3.Email it to me at reccewife(at)gmail(dot)com, post it on my facebook page
or tweet me about it.

Between now and December 31st I will compile these stories, share them on
here and on facebook and twitter (if you have a blog, I’ll share that, too)
and put your name in a draw.

And because it all started here, at Starbucks, on the 31st will be a random
draw for an electronic Starbucks gift card, my way of saying ‘Thanks’ for YOUR
awesomeness!

I know they get paid to serve you.

But if we are sure to complain about the bad experiences, let’s focus on encouraging those people who give us a great one.


Go.  What are you waiting for?  Share
this with your friends and find someone to say thank you to. 

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