Grocery Store Clerk - HERE'S TO A JOB WELL DONE

Along with the change of the season, comes changes of another kind - employees.  Over the last two months, we have lost (I believe) a total of six employees and are now about to lose two more.  While most have moved on to other jobs, a few are pursuing their dreams, their ambitions.

And I, for one, am tired of writing these farewells. 

Behind each act of assistance/kindness, every creative idea and all the hours of hard work, stands an employee.  An employee who demonstrated the ability to not only maintain a job but, was able to provide a part of themselves in the process. 

And at the end of a shift, their achievements would depend on their own personal satisfaction.

This is what companies are made of - people; the doers.

And when these employees feel that it is time to move on, they take with them all of the assets that helped to maintain the company that they worked for and in the process, leave a vacant spot.  A spot that will most likely not be filled.

So, off they go!

 Most of them will be remembered fondly and missed by their co-workers and every once in awhile, their names will come up in a conversation followed with a, "I sure do miss them."  The ideas and work ethic, that they demonstrated, will always be remembered and their friendships will never be forgot.

To all of you, THANK YOU - for a job well done.

Talk at ya later!

Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk - HACKER/BEWARE

BROKENCONTROLLER.COM has hacked into Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk Blog.  Although this BROKENCONTROLLER.COM no longer posts any blog pages from Grocery Store Clerk, it remains on Google search as a site for Grocery Store Clerk Blog.

Do not hit on BROKENCONTROLLER.COM to visit Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk Blog.

Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk - ANOTHER DREAM

When an  employee has given many years of service (and is liked), and has decided that it is time to leave then it is customary to send them off with a cake, hugs and plenty of well-wishes.  And even though we may hate to see them go, we definitely understand and bid them farewell.

So goes it again, another employee has decided to follow a dream and she has made her departure. 

With a smile, this employee has served many years stocking the shelves, running a register and demonstrating kindness to customers.  Quiet by nature, she would always liven up when talking about her dream.  As an artist and writer, she demonstrated hard work, perseverance and never quit dreaming.  And finally, it has all paid off.

And even though I will miss seeing her, she has demonstrated something to us all; dreams really do come true.

So Shiloh, we will miss you - but, we are happy for you.

And to all of you other dreamers that punch a clock day after day?  Never quit dreaming!

Talk at ya later!
 

Cinicigal Grocery Store Clerk - 'FLOWER POWER'

To title this Post, I have borrowed an old, familiar slogan from the '60's', which was used to represent peaceful movements against the Vietnam War.  Created by Allen Ginsberg, it is a phrase that is, 'considered a legacy', of it's time.

So, when dealing with a certain customer the words, 'Flower Power,' was the first thing that came to my mind.

This summer I have noticed some new faces that have begun to patronise our store and slowly, they have begun to acknowledge us when we greet them.  That is, all but one customer.  Weekly, this lady has been coming into the store and shop for her items but never would she respond when I would say, 'Hi'.  Why?  I haven't a clue, but have learned to accept the idea that not all people are basically, friendly.  So when I would be at a register, she would come through my line and when greeted she would grunt.

Her answers would be simple, if asked a question; 'Yes', 'No', 'Ok',  The tone in her voice never wavered and her facial expression would never change.  She never smiled, but then again she never complained.  So, for the last two months this is the way it has been - until now.

A few weeks ago, this customer came strolling through while I was working in the Floral Department.  I watched as she hovered over the bouquets of flowers in the cooler as if trying to decide which one grabbed her fancy, until she finally settled on a bouquet of Oriental Lillies.  Looking up, she spotted me and made her approach.  Of course my first thought was, 'Uh, oh.' 

"Are you the girl who does the flowers?" she asked.
"Yes, I am."  "Is there something I can help you with?"
"No."  "I just wanted to tell you, how beautiful your arrangements are."  "You do a good job." was her response.
"Thank you very much."

The customer went on to tell me how she buys a bouquet every week and always gives a few of the flowers to her neighbor, who is ill.  She thanked me and then went on her way.

When looking back, I do recall that each time she shopped I would see a bouquet  of flowers in her hand.

Needless to say, we are now friends.  Each time she sees me in the store, she waves and calls me by name.  No longer does she have a stern look on her face - now, she smiles.  And since our introduction in the Floral Department, I notice that she speaks to various employees.

This lady has now become a regular customer and has taken on the traits of our other regular customers; she seems happy to be here and has come to appreciate our employees and still gets a bouquet of flowers each time she shops.

Grocery shopping is a chore, I think most of us will agree on that.  It is something that we have to make time for in our busy schedules and yet, it is something we cannot avoid.  So, while doing a chore it is rather nice when we find something that lifts us, something that we can appreciate.  As in this case, something so simple made all of the difference.

Something as simple as a bouquet of flowers.

Talk at ya later!


 
 

Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk - THE WILL TO SUCCEED

When the company and employees meet, it is usually to discuss what is new, where we are and what we want  to achieve.  It's a basic formula that keeps everyone up to date and in the know; ideas are shared, questions are answered and suggestions are offered.  It is kind of like a meeting of the minds, so to speak.  And today, I got to witness this approach and came away feeling proud of my fellow employees.

For a long time, I have wondered what it is that makes these people strive so hard.  What makes them go beyond what is expected of them, just what is it that pushes them to do their best and more?  Today, I found my answer.

It is a combination of things; pride, common sense and the will to succeed.  The pride, is in what and how they do their jobs and common sense is the approach that they take in order to accomplish this task.  And when all is said and done, every step that they take is to help the company succeed. 

They work with one aim in mind, pleasing the customer; making them want to come back. 

Today, I listened as they brought forth suggestions, provided insight and demonstrated an eagerness to accomplish whatever tasks necessary.

These people put thought into what they do and are consistent with their service.  They aim to not only do a job well, but to improve their store on a daily basis.  Their ideas were simple, and yet would provide better service.

I, applaud them. 

It goes without saying, that they do not need to be as accomplished as what they are.  They could, in fact, just do what was expected of them, pick up their paychecks and go to the house; but they don't.

And what is more - they probably never will.

Talk at ya later!

Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk - FRIENDSHIPS

When you move to a new area, such as I did, you encounter quite a few challenges; learning your way around, not knowing anyone, the feeling of isolation, customs, where to shop - there is no 'how to book'.  And to get over these hurdles, one has to just jump in and try to overcome the situations at hand.  I found learning my way around a lot easier then meeting new people unless you consider the Meter Man, for the gas company, a formal introduction.  But try as you may, you find that everyone you encounter is, more or less, established in the area.  Usually, they are residents that have grown up in the area, have families and life long friends and, well - there is usually no need to meet anyone new.  Thus, the isolation.

But as time goes on, you have discovered where to shop and gotten lost enough times that you have learned your way around.  And although you find your new neighbors rather distant in approach, you still conjure up a smile and a wave as you pass them on the street.

I would like to say, that these challenges are short lived - but, they are not. 

But lucky for me, my station in life requires that I be employed.  And it is not until you find that 'dream job,' does your new social life take off.

These are the people who will work by your side during most of your waking hours.  They will come to know the real you and slowly, friendships will begin to evolve; some will be constant, while others will become fond acquaintances.  And if you are lucky, as I have been, these new acquaintances will end up being your friends through the long haul.

They become your lifeline, so to speak.  In need of direction?  They will point the way.  Need a ride, a shoulder, a confident, some assistance or how about a laugh or two?  They'll be there.

Friendships come from many directions in our lives; childhood, work, church, social, school, etc., and they are special.  Since these people are not family, they are given a choice - they don't have to like you.  But if they do, then  you are lucky.  We usually don't understand this until we find ourselves in unfamiliar surroundings and are forced to contend with the lack of companionship.

So, when things become a little discouraging - as they do from time to time - I simply reflect on these friendships which I have encountered over these last ten years.  They provide me with a sense of security and I know that all I have to do is to reach out.

And since being employed is inevitable, then I guess I am lucky with that as well.

Because, who would have thought that you could find people like this in a little grocery store on the west side of town?

Talk at ya later!

 

Cincigal Grocery Store Clerk - DOGS, CATS & COCKATOOS

When a group of people work side by side, day after day, it is surprising to see just what it is that they all have in common.  Where the job scene may bring people together that have different backgrounds, views and economical standards, it will ultimately be the feelings, the human emotions, that make these people blend together.  Thus showing us all, that we have so much in common.

And the one thing that a lot of us have in common, is that we are pet owners.  Many of us are ruled by these creatures that we have come to adore.  It is said, that a pet depends on it's owner for it's care and well being.  I, on the other hand, have often felt that this thought to be reversed; we depend on them for our well being.  These creatures that control our lives with their wants and needs, fill our thoughts when something just doesn't feel right and continuously leave their impression in our every day conversations, have come to provide us with a purpose; we are needed. 

Some of us have cats, while others have dogs and one of us has a Cockatoo, named Susie.  Together we discuss the things that they do which expresses our deep rooted feelings for these creatures.  And when one of these treasured beings becomes ill, or is ready to pass on, we all seem to share the emotional tie with the owner.

A few years ago, my dog passed away quite suddenly.  Although he had lived a long and healthy life, his sudden departure was, needless to say, a heart breaking experience.  Afterwards, I went to work and on my work table I found a card; a sympathy card for a dog owner.  That one gesture, by fellow employees, left a lasting impression on me.

So, even though we are different, we are all basically the same.  And that is a good thing. 

We have provided each other a place that allows us to share our stories, our dreams and anything else that comes along our way; like dogs, cats and Cockatoos.

Talk at ya later!