Word Of the Week #51: Service
April 22, 2009 by Susan Clarke
Service: an act done for the benefit of another.
Are you in the service business? I say yes. We all serve someone. Whether it is our customers, guests, members, family or friends. We do things for the benefit of others.
I often ask my audiences, “What does great service look like, sound like, and feel like to you?” The reason I ask that question, is because we all receive information visually, auditorially and kinesthetically. That is, through seeing, hearing and touching, and one is always more predominant than the other two.
Great service means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. How would you describe it? How do you know when you have great service?
Well, I was so surprised when the response from one of my audience members was, “Great service looks like a smile, sounds like a giggle, and feels like home.”
Well, I couldn’t have said it better! And I love serving people! I do it because I enjoy it, not because I have to. That is the same philosophy I had when I was waiting tables, tending bar, hostessing, bussing, cooking or doing dishes. I was there to make everyone feel good about spending their money!
Do you receive enjoyment when you do things for the benefit of others? Do people appreciate it when you think of them and do kind things for them? How does it make you feel when people do things that are of benefit to you?
Reader Responses
“Wow – This is a great one…. I always say I have received excellent service when they make me feel like I am their only Customer and there are no other distractions….” — Lee Sowers
“As always, your WOW makes my day! Thanks Susan!!” –Donna Kendrena