I’ve been frequenting my local Starbucks in Cary, NC lately for a change of pace since I mostly work from home. As an introvert, I really enjoy sticking close to home. But I still crave the occasional burst of interactions with other humans. And the Starbucks Drive Thru has been surprisingly uplifting.
For months now, literally every Starbucks team member speaks to me with a bolt of energy that says, “I’m so glad you’re here!” You can hear the smile in their voice through the intercom and from behind their mask. The also use my name, make eye contact, and have a little conversation like, “Oh, that’s a cute scarf you have”. I leave feeling a bit ‘brighter’ about facing the day and look forward to going back.
From a customer service and engagement perspective, it is easy to see core principles and strategies at play. At the same time, I am simply enjoying the experience. And it has been happening in so many other places – the grocery store, hardware center, gift shop, and neighborhood sidewalks. It’s like saying, hey, we’re all struggling in the pandemic AND we are doing our part to make it a bit better. (Thankfully, we are seeing the light at the end of that tunnel!)
So hit up your local Starbucks and other local businesses and be open to how the crews there are brightening your day. Then, share that brightness by taking a minute to create a moment for people who cross your path throughout the day.
Have a bright day!
Great Post Kathy! I agree with your sentiment that most people are seeming a bit more outgoing and kinder these days…kind of like that yearly pre-Christmas euphoria that goes around. Jen and I have noticed it as well here at Collectivo, The Shorewood Bakery, and a few other local establishments……the smaller retailers showing the most appreciation usually as of course they were the hardest hit by all of this. I guess it’s a bit like lyrics of the Joni Mitchell song……”you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone!”. Peace Kath~