There are very few things in this world that irritate me as much as when I see an individual being rude to a waiter, bartender, server, cashier or any other of the almost 120k service industry employees in the United States today.
The sense of entitlement that I have seen from some individuals and groups is downright disrespectful. Yes, when you go out to eat or order something like ice cream, you are paying for the service in addition to the product that you receive (note: if you argue that you are just paying for the product and are therefore exempt from something like tipping at dinner, please, show yourself the door). And with this exchange of goods comes a certain level of congeniality from the service provider that we have come to expect.
Unfortunately, some people seem to think that they deserve greater amounts of respect than the average customer. Some don't see the value of reciprocating this respect. Many don't even bother attempting to hide their blatant disinterest in the service employee.
This is not what a gentleman does.
A good rule of thumb that I abide by is to treat any service employee with the same amount of respect that I would a friend of a friend. If I am out to a restaurant, I have either been there before or have an interest in it. The server/host/waiter then becomes an extension of the restaurant. Just as I am willing to give the restaurant a chance, I will give their employees one too.
This is the same of a friend of a friend. I have a direct relationship with my friend and I will extend that same level of respect to his friend as I would him. Odds are that you may never see your friend's friend again, but you certainly do not want to cause any problems or leave a negative image lasting in his mind. This should be the same mentality when speaking with individuals in the service industry.
I'm not saying that you need to become best friends with every cashier, waiter or teenage ice cream scooper you encounter. Nor am I saying that you don't have a right to be upset if an order is mistaken or you are treated rudely. This is strictly for your first interactions with the individuals. Treating these employees with respect from the onset will leave a lasting impression on that individual, as well as any others around you, and that's what a gentleman does.
TTBG #6: Matching Your Leathers
TTBG #5: Thankful All Through The Year
TTBG #4: Hats Are For Outside, Not The Restaurant
No comments:
Post a Comment