March 29, 2024

If I like you, you’ll know it

Last fall, we placed an order for a freezer and scheduled it for delivery to our house. When the day came for delivery, I was the one at home to greet and provide direction to the basement where the two young men would be setting up my purchase and removing two other freezers that had bitten the dust.

It was hot out — of course it was, it was August in Iowa — they were sweating and I’m sure tired of making numerous trips up and down my staircase. But I have to say, those guys were so courteous and kind, we made a phone call to their employer to let them know exactly how nice it was dealing with the delivery men. Their manager said he appreciated the call and would be sure to relay the compliment.

That phone call took all of about 60 seconds.

Sixty seconds. That’s it. Such a small effort on our part.

Let’s face it, we all enjoy an encouraging word from time to time … a little pat on the back or an occasional “good job” and better yet, I would imagine having our superiors aware we’ve done our job and have done it well is the icing on the cake.

So I decided from that point forward, I was going to make sure employers are aware of the courteousness, kindness or exceptional service provided by their staff and how much I appreciate what they’ve done.

Having worked with the public since I was a teenager, I know how challenging it can be at times and if you’ve ever worked with the public, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

My sons worked together last summer for a company building and remodeling homes, which means they spent a great deal of time with their clients. They had worked on two different projects where they definitely felt appreciated. The families they’d worked for did things like baking cookies for them, treated them to pizza lunches, even blew up their egos a bit by suggesting they have a calendar made of their construction crew. (Insert eye-roll here)

I often think our society in general has become complacent when it comes to things like manners and extending compliments. It would appear others have a feeling of entitlement that seems to excuse them from pleasantries.

So anyway…

I’ve never really had a personal mission statement, just more of a life philosophy and I’m adding ‘be grateful for those working with the public by calling their manager to tell them how terrific that person is’ to my list. I know, It’s kind of a long philosophy. My other ones are shorter — live honestly, don’t give others the power over your own happiness, consider the consequences of your actions (preferably before you act), treat others how you want to be treated, never allow someone the opportunity to hurt you a second time, and never forgive and never forget.

I didn’t say I was perfect.

Contact Dana King at
dking@shawmedia.com

Dana King

Dana King

Multitasking duties between the Newton News, PCM Explorer and the Jasper County Tribune.