How you treat people is important
My husband came home from a coffee appointment angry with someone whose services we were using. “We are never doing business with that guy again.” I wondered what this guy did since you have to work really hard for my husband not to like you.
“We meet at a deli to go over the details, and he ordered coffee. When it comes, he complains to the waitress that it’s too cold and sends it back, then asks for a total of 4 more refills over the next hour.” Ok, I’m thinking so far pretty ordinary, and I keep listening. “Then, we get up to leave, and he makes a big show of counting out a 25% tip mostly in nickels and debating whether he should give her 20% instead.” Not nice, but I’m still not seeing the problem. My husband does the math for me. “25% on a $2 cup of coffee is $.50.” WHAT?! That Jerk! My husband goes on to say he went back and gave the waitress a $5.
The next week someone asked my husband if he could recommend someone who offered that service. He was almost giddy when he said, “No, sorry, don’t know anyone.”
Total loss of that sale: Not sure but likely at least $1,000 dollars.
Sitting in the office across from reception, I once watched a programmer come in for a job interview do something so stupid it was almost painful to watch. He rudely rang the bell on the desk 5 times, and then when the receptionist showed up, he told her she should be more attentive that because of her he would be late for his job interview. He then said he had an appointment with the company’s owner. She smiled real big and said, “Oh, you have an appointment with my dad; I’ll show you the way.”
For some reason, he didn’t get the job. Weird.
Total loss: The job he interviewed for paid $85,000 per year.
At the Natural Products Expo this year, I was sampling some very tasty and crunchy potato chips. The salesperson is standing nearby and makes an incredibly sexist comment (which I will spare you) to a group of guys, myself, and one other woman who was probably in her fifties. Then he turns to us and says, “Oh, you girls are probably going to hold a grudge now because that’s what girls do.” Girls? We are both adults.
Now as a hypnotherapist, I am nobody to this person, but I glance at the woman’s name badge. It reads: “Category Manager, Snack Foods at COSTCO.” Now for those of you who don’t know, a category manager ranks higher than buyers. This lady is probably responsible for MILLIONS of dollars in buying decisions for her company and that fool just said something both stupid and offensive. We smile at each other and walk away.
Total loss: Not sure but could have been millions long term.
As someone who has put my foot in my mouth more times than I care to admit and been fired because of it, I really understand this problem. In my defense the “reply to all” button really should ask you “are you sure” when the email contains the word “idiot”.
The most important thing in this world is how you treat other people, particularly those you think of as being at the lower end of society or who are not in a position to help you. Treat EVERYONE with respect, even when it is hard. Not tipping a waitress, yelling at a receptionist, or being mean to a cashier is never the right way to treat someone making $8 an hour. Create the habit of being kind to everyone. Not only will that make the world a better place, you never know when you, as a person, will be judged based on that one angry or inappropriate comment directed at someone simply trying to be of service.
Jill Thomas CCHT
Healthy Habits Hypnosis
760-803-2841
www.healthyhabitshypnosis.com
http://www.facebook.com/healthyhabitshypnosis
Author of the book “Feed Your Real Hunger” & “30 day weight loss Jumpstart” Hypnosis CD
For more information and free hypnosis meditations visit www.healthyhabitshypnosis.com