Social Interactions

This week I made a few attempts to apply the principles from "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Some of the attempts went great, others were just kind of pathetic. The first was actually quite nice. On Wednesday, I made it to the dining hall nice and early for lunch in an attempt to allow some time to talk with a cashier. I feel terrible for not remembering her name right now, but I was happy when I noticed who was at the register. I had never had any conversation beyond "how are you?" with this cashier before, but she always helped me with a big smile on her face, and always said something nice.

After finding out her name and addressing her as such, I asked her about her job and how she liked it, etc. The conversation ended within a minute or two as others began to filter in to the dining hall, but I told her how much I appreciate the job she does, and that her smile always brightens my day no matter how bad a day I may be having. She seemed to genuinely take that to heart.

I know this is supposed to be all about interactions with people working in their respective jobs, but I have found it easier and more appropriate to apply these principles while I'm working, as I work in a very service-oriented atmosphere. On approximately my second day of working at my new job (this was probably 2 months ago), I was being absent-minded and not looking out for people who may need full serve. A woman had pulled up to a full serve pump and must have been waiting for a minute or two. I received a call and was shocked by the tone of the woman on the other end.

"Yes, HELLO?! is anyone there?"

"Yes, Ma'am, how may I help you?"

"I've been waiting at this pump for TWO MINUTES! what is going on here?!"

She continued her rant, but I quickly told her I'd be out in a second and hung up the phone.

The ensuing interaction wasn't pretty. I must have told her I was "terribly sorry" over ten times, but she continued to berate me and told me she would "take care of this." I was a little shaken up after the incident, and only hoped I would not have to see her again. However, this weekend, I saw her busted up station wagon pull up. I held my breath as I walked to her car. Luckily, she didn't recognize me. As her gas was pumping I tried to make conversation.

"Hi ma'am, I feel like I've seen you around before, but never caught your name."

"Oh... it's Cindy."

"Well, it's nice to meet you Cindy, How are you doing today?"

The look on her face showed great surprise as she told me how her day had been. I took care of a few extra things on her car, and after telling her she was good to go, she offered me a tip. I told her "Oh, no please keep it. It was nice meeting you Cindy."

Her face seemed to show utter confusion as she told me I wasn't like the "others". I just chuckled and she drove off shortly afterwards. This encounter really proved to me that a few subtle changes in the way we act can completely change the outcome of any situation.