Where did customer service go?

The weekend is here and performing the needed projects around the house came calling. It is one of those things I enjoy but also dislike. The work is fine. It is having to go to those big box stores like Walmart and Home Depot.

I've always been impressed with the size and business methods of these two behemoths. What I haven't been impressed with for some time now is their customer service. Not only service but even the condition of the stores seem to be out of the control of corporate management. It seems both companies constantly open new stores just so they can have a few clean and well organized stores...if only for a short while.

The biggest issue I have is with customer service. When did it become necessary to restock shelves during busy business hours. And even if it is needed, I am constantly amazed by employees of these stores. It feels as if I should apologize to them for getting in their way while they move their large pallets around.

My only thought can be that something is missing in that many of these employees simply are not happy with their jobs. Television commercials paint a happy and fun time. A kindly old gentleman greeting you at the door or a male model helping you load your pickup with building material.

It can only be one of two things. Either the corporate marketing heads are completely out of touch with reality. Or they believe that if you keep saying all is okay, people will eventually believe it. But it will eventually fall in on itself. Service is what makes or breaks a company in the long run.

So what can you do? Many of these people are low wage and part time. How can you inspire them to take greater pride in themselves and their work? The employee pep rallys don't seem to be working.

Maybe its time for a change in the way they do business.

The sun will reappear again.

Maintaining belief in a better day

The darkness of desperation in New Orleans is contrasted by the large blue skies above. It is difficult to write of 'maintaining a positive attitude' in contrast to the dire situation many face now. Along with many others, I've said prayers for the quick and safe rescue from their turmoil. I've made monetary contributions to the Red Cross (www.redcross.org) to help in these efforts. In many ways it seems like so little.

But as time pushes on, recovery will take place. People will push through and lives will forever be changed. I've always leaned to the more optimistic view in life even though I've had some very difficult things to face. But I would never place these issues at the same level. As it is said, tell me a sad story and I'll tell you one hundred sadder stories. So what does that leave you with? It leaves you with your own attitude and handling of personal circumstances. Hope is the one thing you can never lose.

"Hope" is the thing with feathers--That perches in the soul--And sings the tune without the words--And never stops--at all--" -Emily Dickinson

Those is need and desperation, keep that hope alive. Those that can serve those in need, do so as it will lend strength to the hope that people in need hang on to.

Bringing out the best in people

The past couple of days have been filled with the ever consuming news of distruction along the Gulf coast. People that were overcome by nature and those struggling to simply survive in the aftermath. We see images nightly of looting and general mayhem. I watch these reports and do believe some of this is simply a means of trying to survive. But there are many as one would expect that are simply taking advantage.

The greater image is in seeing many acts of kindness and true heroism in people that rise to the top. Our human existence is truly blessed by these people and I'm certain that they out number the cruel segment of society. People that are ordinary in their everyday lives become servants of others to help where it is needed. To give of themselves when there are so many in desperate need.

There will be suffering but there will also be enormous stories of perseverance and accomplishment come from this natural disaster. Aristotle wrote, "suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness, not through insensibility but through greatness of mind." We'll say a prayer of strength to those in need to give them the ability to maintain a cheerful heart. Help where you can and possibly by donating to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org today.