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May 26, 2009
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
People over Machines, by Rubel Shelly
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all
of you, I always pray with joy because of ... (Philippians 1:3-5
TNIV).
I need to make a confession: I despise those horrible automated voice
mail systems everybody seems to have. I prefer to deal with people over
voice recorders and presume that anybody trying to reach the people
where I work feel the same way. Where I work, though, we have one too.
Have you ever journeyed into the call processing nightmare? What a
silly question! Of course you have. "If you are calling about x, press
1; if you are calling about y, press 2; and on and on and on." Some
systems are easier and quicker to negotiate than others. But, I still
prefer people. And I typically try to bypass the numbered options by
hitting "0" in hopes of being connected to a "customer-service
representative" rather than wade through the tree of options in order
to leave a message.
There was once a time -- believe it or not -- when companies actually
had warm-blooded people on their payrolls whose job it was to help
customers. Now it's more likely that customer service is a department
staffed by recorders rather than a person who will invest time
listening and responding to your needs.
Service is an attitude, not a department.
It even happens at church. Did you hear the one about the fellow who
walked into First Suburban Church wearing an expensive suit and a
baseball cap? After he sat down, an usher walked up discretely,
introduced himself, and said, "Pardon me, but we don't wear hats in the
sanctuary." The well-dressed man nodded -- and left the cap in place. A
few minutes later, a deacon repeated the process -- with the same
outcome. Then, just before the service began, the pastor came, smiled,
and shook his hand. "Sir, we are pleased to have you with us," he said.
"But we respectfully ask that you remove your cap during worship." "Of
course!" he replied and took it off. "It's just that I have attended
this church for three-and-a-half years and haven't met a soul. Today, I
wore a dirty baseball cap and met the head usher, a deacon, and now the
pastor." I hope that story is pure fiction. My fear is that it is not.
If you value human contact and personal service, take note of and
appreciate it when you receive it. Don't treat someone who serves you
well with indifference or arrogance. Thank the person. Tell the
manager. If appropriate, tip. Service is an attitude, not a department.
Everyone in an organization, family, company, or church is responsible
for treating others with respect.
People sense their value when we affirm them with personal attention.
---------
(c) 2009 Used by permission. From Rubel Shelly <rshelly@rc.edu>'s
"FAX of Life" printed each Tuesday. See Faith Matters for
previous issues of the "FAX of Life."
RELATED LINKS:
* Who Could Ask for More?
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200605/20060501_askformore.html
* Undo Send: What a Great Idea!
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200904/20090416_undosend.html
* The Art of Listening
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200505/20050504_listening.html
* RubelShelly.com
http://www.rubelshelly.com/
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200905/20090526_peopleovermachines.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
LOOK GREAT, FEEL GREAT: 12 KEYS TO ENJOYING A HEALTHY LIFE NOW, by Joyce Meyer
Joyce guides us to a healthier way of living, reminding us that turning
every issue over to God gives us the strength to make lasting changes.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?260
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
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