Make Sure You'Re Always Listening...

Earlier this week I decided to break free from the keyboard and go grab a bite to eat. Sounds regular enough I know, but do read on... I went to a nearby sandwich shop which had a traditional deli combo available: A ham and swiss sandwich, donut and a pop all for about $5 plus tax.  Nothing too wild or crazy - okay, I did ask for some lettuce and mustard - but definitely not a venti, extra hot, double-whip, soy, decaf skinny caramel macchiato - but you get my point.

Let me state up front that I highly respect employees of the retail and hospitality workplace. Having done both before myself, I know it's not wildly imaginative or rewarding work. That said, when I do order something from a business, I do expect to get what I asked for.

The young lady behind the counter greeted me promptly and quickly placed my order. She immediately asked of the upgrades I would like for my ham and swiss, I kindly replied lettuce and mustard. Although "freshly made" was a contradiction of terms as my pre-wrapped sandwich was tossed into a microwave the lady smiled asked what I would like for my beverage - "A can of iced tea, please"

My drink behind the counter, my sandwich now out of it's nuking chamber, toppings and condiments added, a boston cream donut was chosen and my meal was placed in a bag, paid for, and I headed back to eat my lunch.

To my surprise, the contents of the bag were quite different from the order...

My ham and swiss was a roast beef and mozzarella, my lettuce was there but mustard had somehow been replaced with mayo. I found the former the most puzzling as I had distinctly heard the lady serving me state "ham and swiss sandwich" as she was ringing me through.

So what is my point to all of this? I am not writing to complain about my botched lunch order, but wanted to make a point about listening in the workplace. No matter what you do for work, everyone one of us has to receive information and react accordingly to the information we've been given. The next time someone comes to ask you something, or for something; give them your undivided attention! Put down your BlackBerry, step away from the keyboard and listen. Save time and unnecessary repetition and make someone feel a little more valued.

Oh, the donut was fine by the way, as for my iced tea, well, a can of orange juice was probably a healthier choice anyway.

Thanks for listening! ;)