I'm getting tired of all the..how can I put this..CRAP !!! From my experience people are not born with bad attitudes, they are created. We as human beings, we do not live on this planet alone. So how can you let some who is so messed up MAKE you feel and act that way too. So what you are saying is that people have THAT much control you? No one controls my feelings, I do that all on my own. Wait, people do create good feelings in me. But that's all they can do.
My job consists of working with the public, customer service, I make sandwiches, espressos, coffee what have you. I have to admit sometimes the occasional pain-in-the-butt rolls thru, but hey, its their problem not mine. And yes, sometimes they think that because they are spending their money they think they can control me, or I HAVE to give them what they ask for even if its not on the menu. I work FOR some one, and he defines what I sell to you, not YOU. I let them know this. See most of them don't or have never worked in this field, they have just been on the receiving end. And then there are some who have had their own business, went out of business and kind of jealous cause of my attitude towards them that is extremely friendly. But I can't please everyone and I tell them I work for some who has defined the rules to me. Most of the time they understand. Most of the time people tell me that they couldn't do what I do. I tell them you treat people like you want to be treated and if they don't, that's on them.
The item I make, I put out that I give to you is something that I take pride in making. Hey, you are putting what I make into your body. And what I make, I put a lot of pride and love into it so that you will enjoy it. That is my main ingredient, LOVE & PRIDE, and it shows. And how do I know you have enjoyed it? Oh, there are a number of ways. One, when its my day off, the next day I look at the numbers, money that was made on my day off. Two, its when you come back and tell me about what I made for you.
Starting a new job, I do a number of things. I look at what the numbers were before I came there. When you hire me, I don't discuss pay. I let you see what I produce, 2 weeks go by before I see my first paycheck. If I like it, I don't say anything. But if I'm not happy with it, I wait another week and I discuss with my employer what I can do for you and what I want to be paid. Its what I want AFTER taxes, my take home as I call it. I have been working with food for over 30 years in different establishments, I think I covered everything from fast food places to gourmet dining to working in mass production, like I've worked on a cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Lines in Hawaii. I know what I want in an eating experience and its no different from what your average person wants too. Also what I do, I check out the people I am working with. They and sometimes myself, can be a-holes too, we all can be. But you have to recognize this when this is happening and STOP, say you're sorry and move on. But when see that one or 2 people that I know they as employees have their shit together, I try to put myself right besides them and work as a team with them. Like right now, I'm trying to put together a team, but the Manager doesn't see things they way I see them. The owner does though.
I don't want to manage a place where I work at cause all you do is paperwork and discipline your workers. What type of product are you having them put out if you as a manager is always in their ass about something. After 2 times, they have to be cut loose right, but I can't and won't so that. I've been known to do others work so that they are able to still collect a paycheck.
All I'm saying is this...The next time you go out to eat, look at your server, look at the person who is making your food. Is he or she smiling? If not, question them and ask if they enjoy their job, are they having fun. Then tell them, if they are waiting on you table, making your food, tell them this. I know you are to wait or make my food, but could you please send or have some one in the kitchen that is having fun make my food please? Those exact words...and then tip them a dollar. believe me, that will change their whole attitude. saying that and a dollar changes everything.
MichaelChappell