A few months ago, my mother-in-law was with some of her friends at a local mom-and-pop restaurant for breakfast. As it has been with many businesses recently, the restaurant was struggling with not having enough help. On top of the tight labor market, some employees quit, while another called in sick. The one or two people working were doing their best to do everything, but it wasn't enough.
Because of the restaurant's lack of service and the time the food was taking, customers were frustrated. Even more, the tables were dirty, and there were few places to sit.
The ladies decided that instead of leaving, complaining, or watching the workers struggle to keep up, they would help. And that is what they did.
This story is very instructive.
We can choose how we react and respond to situations that are not ideal. There is no question that many of us have been shaped by what we believe we are entitled to. We have an expectation culture. We expect service to be a certain way. We expect that we are always right as the customer. And we expect that our goods and services need to meet our standards. If any of those expectations are not met (for whatever reason), we let people know what we believe we are entitled to.
How do I know this? Because I see it on display every day. And because I am guilty of it, as well.
I took my daughter to a restaurant a few months ago. We placed our order to-go, and the young lady told me the amount I owed. I wanted to pay with my gift card on the restaurant's app, but it only showed my balance. It did not have a way for them to scan it or input the numbers. I asked the young lady if she could access my account through her system, to which she said no. In my frustration, I barked something under my breath about the restaurant. Not only did the young lady hear me, but so did my embarrassed daughter.
Not a good dad moment.
Not a good human being moment.
I have a feeling our expectations in the coming weeks, months, and maybe years, are going to be significantly disrupted. And what we cultivate and nourish within ourselves right now will determine how we respond to these changing circumstances.
I would much rather be a servant cleaning off tables to help out than an entitled customer who can't pay with a gift card.
Question
Pause the next time you are about to complain. Instead, ask yourself how you might be able to serve and make the problem better.
Peace,
Brandon