Laugh and Be Happy for Increased Job Enjoyment
When it’s your Birthday in our family, you can do and eat anything you want. So in celebrating my husband’s special day, he immediately requested The Waffle House. Visions of clogged arteries, expanding waistlines and indigestion quickly filled my head.
Upon arrival to the local Waffle House, we were greeted by a friendly smile and enthusiastic, real welcome. There was one small booth left in the crowded eatery, so we hurriedly took it. Franny was immediately at our table asking for beverages, and made a pleasant comment about my husbands Tennessee ball cap. And there it started.
I had never been in a Waffle House and can guarantee that within five minutes, my judgment of a “depressing greasy spoon” was erased because it was about the attitude and joy experienced. Every employee was engaged, laughing and helping each other. Without hesitation or asking, they dove into whatever needed to be done.
Self-leadership lessons:
1. Lighten up and give everyone a sincere greeting.
2. If you don’t like your job – get out. If you don’t like them, they probably don’t like you.
3. Pitch in and help whenever needed – without being asked.
4. Engage in some small talk. Show that you are interested in the person and the job.
5. Be authentic. Be yourself. Be kind. Be gracious.
Any thoughts? What do you think?
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Had to share this comment. Thank you for your “Waffle House” e-mail yesterday … it was pitch perfect and exactly what I needed! I am already putting your advice to good use and, you know what, it feels GOOD! In a staff meeting yesterday, I felt like I had a whole new attitude thanks to your e-mail. And this is despite the fact that I was late to the meeting because my Jeep died (literally – an engine explosion) on the freeway en route to work. So much for the “Cash for Clunkers” program I had hoped to take advantage of – the poor thing blew up before I could get it to a dealer! (And yes, I managed to get the vehicle onto the shoulder despite being unable to see through the billowing black smoke – no injuries, except maybe to my pride!)
Hi Marsha…
In my travels, I run into this every day. Some people just shouldn’t breed.
Interesting story and true..many years ago NASA spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop a pen that would write upside down in zero gravity. It was a struggle and really never came to pass.
Why didn’t they just try a pencil…?
Have a great day…
Steve
Oh and you are so right. I am always interested to see people’s behavior and often sadly disappointed to their creativeness. And you are right, Some people just shouldn’t breed.
“Don’t get mad”
Yes, yes, I love your story.
And I can share some of mine.
I used to be a receptionist in a huge hotel, people around love me but I don’t know why. Now I know, that’s because of my positive attitude.
Problem and trouble happen every day at my work, but I always kept myself calm and cool. Fist, thinking of what I can do, finding all solutions, possibilities. Then, calling for help from my co-workers. Finally, my manager.
People love to way I deal with “problem”, professional and calm, peaceful.
I witnessed a lot of my friends, even my manager or my big boss, calling people stupid and talking nonstop negatively about this person that person.
I really dislike that way. That is so wrong, low class and unacceptable.
Thank you and wish we never behave like that in our life
Best regards
Helena Hang Le