This past weekend I spent one day where dreams come to life, at The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This is supposed to be one of the happiest places on earth yet I noticed something strange, a lot of people were not smiling. They could not leave the stress of their everyday world outside the park.
Example 1: I enjoy getting massages. I've been to many exquisite spas throughout the world, and have received countless massages. On a recent trip to the luxurious Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, WI, the spa director told me something that I never heard before. She said that one of the best things I could do is to spend approximately 10 minutes in a steam room or sauna immediately before getting a massage. The purpose is so that my muscles could be nice and relaxed. This would allow the therapist to effectively massage my muscles (instead of spending precious time trying to loosen up the muscles first). I will take that piece of advice with me for the rest of my life. From now on, every massage I get will be preceded by me spending time in a steam room or sauna. The spa director informed and inspired me with knowledge that I did not know otherwise.
Now back to my trip to Disney World. The management of Walt Disney World has done an excellent job of training their employees, cast members, on basic public relations. Over and over I witness a simple smile and greeting from a clerk in one of the shops melt the stress from a guest's (what they call a customer) face. By walking up and asking if they could help or just saying, "Have a great day" and smiling as the guest left an attraction changed the whole experience that day.
The more I saw this occur and the reaction it caused the more I was reminded of the important role simple courtesy plays in business and interpersonal relationships. In today's business environment of high stress and fast paced action it is easy to lose sight of basic courtesy. We can't afford to take the time to hold a door, give a smile, or exchange greetings. Or, can we?
She then explained that my baby's food would be delivered at the same time as everyone else's meals. Wow. The airline rep then asked if I would like to request an airline bassinet seat. "What's an airline bassinet seat?", I asked. She explained that it was a bassinet that my daughter can sleep in so she wouldn't have to be held for the entire trip. Again, wow. I did not know that such products or services existed.
I was infuriated. I asked to speak to his superior. Who was able to clarify that all of the information was being asked for my own good, so that they could locate my file later. Not all business owners require companies to store information on their behalf. Some of us are capable of taking care of our own responsibilities and managing files of information.
I once had a mentor who always told me, "No matter what they put you doing, even shoveling s--t, smile while you are doing it. You will be noticed." The truth is it works and people do remember you as being the person who smiles or the person who is always courteous and helpful. This is one way to win points with your boss and customers.
Being courteous and smiling brings returns in all areas of your life and business. It eases tensions and allows you to enjoy the moment. By reducing tensions you can arrive at better decisions and outcomes. It can help you maintain control of an otherwise bad situation. People like being around and doing business with courteous people. Like the old saying goes, "Smile and the world smiles with you." What are some of your experiences with the power of smiling and courtesy?
Example 1: I enjoy getting massages. I've been to many exquisite spas throughout the world, and have received countless massages. On a recent trip to the luxurious Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, WI, the spa director told me something that I never heard before. She said that one of the best things I could do is to spend approximately 10 minutes in a steam room or sauna immediately before getting a massage. The purpose is so that my muscles could be nice and relaxed. This would allow the therapist to effectively massage my muscles (instead of spending precious time trying to loosen up the muscles first). I will take that piece of advice with me for the rest of my life. From now on, every massage I get will be preceded by me spending time in a steam room or sauna. The spa director informed and inspired me with knowledge that I did not know otherwise.
Now back to my trip to Disney World. The management of Walt Disney World has done an excellent job of training their employees, cast members, on basic public relations. Over and over I witness a simple smile and greeting from a clerk in one of the shops melt the stress from a guest's (what they call a customer) face. By walking up and asking if they could help or just saying, "Have a great day" and smiling as the guest left an attraction changed the whole experience that day.
The more I saw this occur and the reaction it caused the more I was reminded of the important role simple courtesy plays in business and interpersonal relationships. In today's business environment of high stress and fast paced action it is easy to lose sight of basic courtesy. We can't afford to take the time to hold a door, give a smile, or exchange greetings. Or, can we?
She then explained that my baby's food would be delivered at the same time as everyone else's meals. Wow. The airline rep then asked if I would like to request an airline bassinet seat. "What's an airline bassinet seat?", I asked. She explained that it was a bassinet that my daughter can sleep in so she wouldn't have to be held for the entire trip. Again, wow. I did not know that such products or services existed.
I was infuriated. I asked to speak to his superior. Who was able to clarify that all of the information was being asked for my own good, so that they could locate my file later. Not all business owners require companies to store information on their behalf. Some of us are capable of taking care of our own responsibilities and managing files of information.
I once had a mentor who always told me, "No matter what they put you doing, even shoveling s--t, smile while you are doing it. You will be noticed." The truth is it works and people do remember you as being the person who smiles or the person who is always courteous and helpful. This is one way to win points with your boss and customers.
Being courteous and smiling brings returns in all areas of your life and business. It eases tensions and allows you to enjoy the moment. By reducing tensions you can arrive at better decisions and outcomes. It can help you maintain control of an otherwise bad situation. People like being around and doing business with courteous people. Like the old saying goes, "Smile and the world smiles with you." What are some of your experiences with the power of smiling and courtesy?
About the Author:
Yuki sano is a well-known author who writes blogs and articles. How Do Debt Consolidators Work? A smart and easy way to manage all your borrowing needs under one simple, flexible plan - combining your mortgage(s) and a home equity line of credit.
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