Christmas shopping can be exhausting. It's even worse when the store you're shopping at is short staffed. That day, standing in the electronics department, not only was my patience tested but I learned a valuable lesson from the clerk that assisted me. I'd like to share it with you.
I walked by and it caught my eye - a laptop. The price was good - really good, in fact - and I decided to make the purchase. There was just one obstacle: the glass display case. No problem. Simply ask the clerk to hand me one of those priced-right laptops and I'd be outta there quick (I hate shopping, by the way).
There was only one clerk working in the department, and he was busy with a customer that asked lots of questions. I spotted the "Press Button For Service" stand on the counter, and I pushed the button. More questions from the customer. I shifted my weight from one leg to the other. Then another customer walked up to the clerk and asked for assistance. I pushed the button again. And more questions from both customers. Push...Push... Somebody paged the store manager to assist the poor clerk in the electronics department. Push...Push... My button-pushing must have resembled Morse Code (anybody who knows me can tell you I'm not the most patient of people). Then the clerk finally made eye contact with me and said he'd be with me in a second. Hallelujah! I was only standing there for about 20 minutes or so...
I had my own set of questions regarding the laptop. Well, maybe it was more like a cross-examination, but I don't remember. Hey - I don't like shopping, and I like returning purchased items even less! Before the clerk and I were finished speaking, several more customers had arrived and were frustrated about the lack of clerks to assist in that busy department. But the clerk kept a great attitude. He handled the situation like a pro. He maintained a smile on his face and patiently answered questions. Watching him in action was worth the wait.
The clerk added value... He added value to the store's reputation. He added value to his manager when I paid him a compliment to his supervisor for his great service. He added value to my shopping experience.
How can you add value in the coming New Year? Clients, vendors, your company, your coworkers or staff... Even if it's a kind word, someone will appreciate it when you go the extra mile.