Want a Tip? Don’t Lose that Smile
If there is one thing everyone in the service industry knows, it’s that customers naturally gravitate to and act more cooperative when they are given a big smile and positive attitude. In a community like Ely where the town thrives entirely on tourism and services during the summer months, it is imperative to keep smiling, even when the times get tough. Sometimes, this can be for weeks at a time with no days off…and yes, it becomes very difficult to continue to be gracious and kind during this type of stretch of high-paced working! However, there are some little reminders and tricks to keep yourself strong during these last few weeks of hard work:
I keep telling myself that-
- There are only three weeks of summer left. Then I will be done. Make the most of the business that you have now and push through to the end.
- The money I make from all of this hard work will help pay for school and save me from keeping a strenuous job during the regular school year. Push work now, and have fun during the year.
- Each day will come to an end, regardless of the mistakes, difficult moments, or seemingly impossible situations that I face when at work. Do the very best you can do, and that is all anyone can ever ask.
- Think about how you would want to be treated when coming to this establishment. How would you expect service to be? What would you hope that the staff would do for you? Then, act on it!
- This is only a small portion of your life. You will have many more experiences that will test you, guide you, and strengthen you as you continue on in your journey. Use this one to help you grow and appreciate the experience you have been given, finding the good in it.
- Consider what you are gaining from this responsibility and duty. You are learning effective communication skills, the ability to be patient and kind even in difficult situations, and the opportunity to grow closer to God by being a gracious host and acting as He would act to His children.
Tricks on the site:
- Take a mini break. If you begin to lose your cool, take a step outside for a second. Take a deep breathe, count to ten, and return. Fresh mind, fresh viewpoint on the situation.
- Grab a bite of food. Sometimes being hungry or having low blood sugar can instigate feelings of anger or stress more easily.
- Strike up conversation. Try to make a connection to the customers you are serving or catering to. By making a personal connection to their lives and gaining a viewpoint from them, it can be become easier to see the situation from their perspective or feel more greatly involved in their experience.
