The line up at the coffee counter was out the door. We were all after our starter fuel for the day.
Just in front was one of those big orders that was being taken back to the office – a solid mix of macchiato, long black, mochaccino and the like.
As I was waiting I noticed the interaction between the barista and the customer, who was clearly miserable that she was on the coffee run that day. She did not smile or speak, just turned and walked away, juggling her order begrudgingly. I hope she ordered two!
I got to the counter and put a smile on my face and with just a hint of sarcasm asked: So, how much fun are you having today?
The barista laughed and said, You know, it’s not too bad.
I could get a better response than that! So I tried: You know, you guys amaze me how you can juggle all these orders – and it’s even more than that – you have to do it when your customers are half asleep and grumpy without their first coffee of the day.
She laughed again and thanked me for noticing. Soon the coffee was served. Both with a smile on our face, we hoped we had a great day.
It was a very brief interaction but it’s what counts. These small moments can have a huge impact.
And it costs you nothing to make someone feel good.
And, as Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”