A Question of Manners

Sometimes it is the little things that make an impression. A smile, a thank you, eye contact, seem very little to ask and most of us expect these things from the people we do business with but is it too much to expect the same from the folks that run the “have to” businesses and those that represent our government as employees or elected officials? By “have to” businesses I am referring to utility companies , medical offices and other necessity businesses that don’t have the competition that other businesses face in the race for the consumer dollars.

There is much talk of the millennial generation and their social behavior. It is a generation that seems to have misplaced the niceties that other generations naturally employed. You know, the stuff that greases the wheels and makes the ride a little more pleasant. I contend that they are not alone in sidestepping polite behavior and customer service. And that is unacceptable. It costs nothing for those that are in the business of taking and/or spending our money to smile. Yes. It is true that I am not likely to put up wind mills to generate my own electricity or return to the days of carrying in wood to cook with and heat my shower. I am also not likely to move out of the state or county or city because I encountered a less than helpful employee or representative that is also less than inclined to assist with my queries or requests. But, when it comes to the reception that those entries are going to get when they need my cooperation it matters. Life happens. Electricity goes out, gas lines need repair, delivery problems with water- who among us has never experienced at least one of these situations? And then there are the inevitable tax payments and increases. I contend that good customer service creates good will and good will is the currency that is spent when the unexpected happens. Leave me sitting in the waiting room for three hours for a medical appointment, at least greet me with a smile.

I know that life is rushed and we are all harried and hurried. But, the way we treat each other, especially those that are paying the bills, really does count. Answering complaints with the offer to remove essential services is the equivalent of giving the middle finger salute and that is unacceptable. Perhaps it is time to take a page from the past, a time when the policy for dealing with each other required some simple manners. Good customer service is the key to a smooth relationship with the public. It doesn’t require much but it makes a great difference in perception. If we expect it from those that ask if we want fries with that, is it too much to ask from those that represent the places that take the biggest chunk of our pay check? I don’t think so.