Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk - MY STUFF!

In my home is a collection of 'stuff', which I often refer to as my 'collectable clutter.'  It is my 'stuff', a collection of things that reminds me of where I have been, who is dear to me and those that I have lost. 

In all reality it is, my world.

Much is the same for me in the store where I work.

Having been told that we are about  to have a big cleaning spree I find that I have some 'collectable clutter'.  Sitting on my work table is a black, plastic container that holds scissors, ribbon, pinecones and wire, all things necessary for making floral arrangements.  But, tucked underneath these tools are a pile of note cards and envelopes all, of which, are addressed to me.  So I took a moment and went through them one by one.

These notes say, 'Thank you', 'Much appreciated,' 'You're the best', and more.

The notes are a reminder of everything I have done.

For all the years I have been doing this job I sometimes lose sight of, just maybe, what I have accomplished.

Things are different now but, not too long ago I provided customers with something that they liked, wanted and apparently were appreciative of.

So I will take these cards home and add them to the rest of my collectables.  Somewhere down the road I, once again, will find them and take a moment to read the words written inside.  And, again, I will probably get that feeling of accomplishment.

I don't do all of the things, at work, like I use to because anymore it is of little concern to the company.  And that I have had to learn to accept.  But at least for now I will have the reminder that, at one time, what I did made a difference. 

For me, that means that it was all worthwhile.

Talk at ya later!


 

Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk - CUSTOMER SERVICE: THE IRONY OF IT ALL

Recently, I had to take a trip to our local ER.  Now it wasn't anything that was life threatening just something that kind of needed immediate attention.  And even though I was clearly dreading this experience I was, more or less, surprised.

The lobby was empty and the receptionist was very outgoing and full of conversation.  In fact, I was made to feel so welcome that I got the impression that everyone was glad I was there.  Had the visit been under different circumstances, I am sure, I would have felt the same.

But what got my attention, more than the atmosphere, was a sign posted inside the automated doors.  As I made my way into the building there, on a post, hung a sign with big letters that read, CUSTOMER SERVICE along with a small description of the ER's promise of this service.

Now if memory serves me correctly Customer Service is a term, used by businesses, to ensure customers a pleasant experience while using their services.  At this point I did not consider myself a customer but, more like a patient since I was in need of medical attention.

As a patient, one is filled with all sorts of emotions; fear, pain, anxiety.  And for a patient there is nothing more important then the skill and knowledge of a medical team.  The comforting words of a medical professional, the caring skill of a nurse and the abilities of a physician are what provide the patient the care needed.

Having grown up around a hospital, and been a patient more than a few times, I was somewhat familiar with the operation of medical care.  And it was in 1969, when my father told me that I would witness medicine become big business in the future.  Something I could not have imagined at the time - but, happened it has.

So what are we now, patients or customers?

When I enter a facility, for medical assistance, I am there for their knowledge and abilities.  I am there to have my pain eased, my symptoms taken care of and my being put back together again.  And if they smile at me and converse well, that's great.  But in the meantime, I would rather they go about there job and do it well. 

When it comes to customers, at our store, we are impressed to give good Customer Service so that they keep coming back.

But at an ER?

Now that's a trip, hopefully, I don't intend making anytime soon.

Talk at ya later!