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Did you know that on average
, if you live to be 75 years old, you will accumulate, at least a solid 13 years at work (24/7)? When we think about how much time we spend at work, why not make the most of it? Attitude and perspective have everything to do with whether or not we enjoy our life, certainly including our jobs.
When we’re at work, we have a particular course we will take that day. We will have the same number of hours, performing various tasks, meeting with people, working with customers and co-workers…so why not enjoy it while we’re at it? Enjoying the opportunity we have to serve others is absolutely possible, and certainly preferable, for everyone! It all hinges on the attitude and perspective we choose.
One reason customer service seems to be a lost art is because even through advertising our society promotes self centered thinking, like; “I’m worth it” and “you deserve a break today.” This feeds the self-centeredness each of us already battles with. We can subtly believe the lie that, somewhere in the midst of selfishness is our personal contentment.
Quite the contrary is true; we are wired to serve, and are most content when we do. Psychologists have proven for years that one of the quickest ways to cure the “blues” is to do something for someone else less fortunate. Whenever we seek to serve others, thinking only of them, we are most content with who we are because our focus is off ourselves. Ralph Waldo Emerson said; “It is one of the great compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try and help another without also helping himself.”
I observed a young lady at work, employed at a retirement home, caring for an elderly woman. I watched as she took her out for a stroll in her wheelchair. It was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining, the birds were singing. Everything seemed picture perfect except there was no “connection.” As I watched from a distance, it seemed the young lady was doing her job with drudgery. No words were spoken, no smile on either face. It was so sad for me to watch as this wonderful opportunity of “enjoying the serve” seemed wasted. I wondered what the elderly woman was thinking and how her spirit might have lit up if she was asked to share things about her life with this young lady. Along with the blessing the young woman would receive from years of wisdom shared. I was sad for both of them as the opportunity faded so quickly.
It’s sobering for me to think about how many opportunities I’ve missed in life to touch someone else because I was too self-centered to look at their need. It takes discipline and determination for any of us to become less than selfish, as is human nature.
Although the term “customer service” has been over used and abused, truly the quickest way to enjoy our job is to learn to continually look for ways to serve those around us. Not just doing what we’re asked to do, but even more. That’s when we gain the feelings of satisfaction, is through serving others. If we look for ways to make an extra-ordinary moment out of an otherwise ordinary moment, we will always find it!
As I watched the lady in the wheelchair I couldn’t help but think of my mother when she was ailing from Lou Gehrig’s Disease – she died at 46. Although she was wheelchair bound and unable to speak, she so appreciated expressions of affirmation; A soft touch, a kind word or just a caring smile meant so much.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank. Let’s encourage each other to “Enjoy the Serve!” every day!
Joan Endicott is an internationally known Professional Speaker, Life Coach and Founder / Author of “I Get To!”®. ETC Endicott Training & Consulting offers inspiration, humor and information to help individuals and organizations grow their teams, increase morale and productivity. Audiences include all ages, venues and industries. For more information: www. JoanEndicott.com, office: (208) 453-8056 Email: Joan@JoanEndicott.com
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