For years everywhere I go and to the people I meet my standard line is “Are you doing good today?” It’s amazing how many answers I get! All kinds of people whether it’s at McDonald’s, Walmart, the grocery store, gas station, or any other place that you can think of, give all kinds of answers.
What prompted me to write about this was a trip to McDonald’s today to get a couple of egg McMuffins and two Mocha Frappe coffees for breakfast. When I got to the pay window I said what I always say and the young ladies' answer was, “Oh, I’m okay I guess.” Sure we might be having a bad day, but don’t broadcast it!
Before I get to what I replied to her, let me say that McDonald’s Mocha Frappe coffees are out of this world. Better than Starbucks at a lower price. Got to admit it’s a high temptation not to have one every day!
So I looked at her and said, “You know what? You have a nice job for a great company, get a weekly pay check, you’re not in a hospital, and it’s an awesome day!” She smiled and said “Thank you for that.” I hope maybe she felt just a little bit better.
I’ve often wished I could go into companies and give seminars to the front line employees. You see, it’s the first person you meet when you walk into any establishment that determines the atmosphere. Most front line employees don’t realize that they represent the entire company from the CEO on down!
Here’s an example. You might visit a restaurant with really good food and mediocre to poor service or choose a restaurant with decent food and outstanding service. Which one would you prefer? I’ll choose the best service. I love when I meet an enthusiastic waiter or waitress. It makes the whole experience so much more fun!
How about a sports bar. You go in, sit down at the bar and the bartender is energetic, and say’s “Would you like what you had last time?” Would you go back? Sure you would, it’s like Cheers, where “Everybody knows your name!”
Today we live in a predominantly negative society. People are in a hurry to get nowhere! People are constantly on their cell phones. We need to bring souls back from cyberspace and into reality! Put down that phone! Engage in healthy conversation and enjoy the people around you!
When you woke up this morning, whether you’re the Pope, a King, a Queen, rich or poor, God gave each one of us 24 hours. How will you live each minute of today? Do you really want to be negative?
If each one of us would greet every person with a smile today we will have created a happier corner of our world!