Being Nice

Since I got my Ford Escape in 2019, I have only had the oil changed at the dealership. Clearly, I had missed something because the "Change Oil Soon" notification was showing up every time I started my vehicle. Never ever in my lifetime of owning a vehicle has this happened. I made the decision that an independent oil changing place would be my new practice. I decided it would be the "Great Canadian Oil Change". I have to say, during the last 7 years there have been many changes in the oil change world. Although, I have had my oil changed this way, the young man that had to maneuver my questioning must have wondered. He was very nice and patient as he had to keep asking the same questions until I managed to come up with the answer he required. Once the Q&A was over, the mechanic then presented the oil options and price list on a big computer screen. I made a huge decision to go with the middle of the pack oil choice. He punched in my decision, and I handed over my keys which were put in the little black box. What a smart thing to do for their own safety. No accidentally starting the car when the keys are out of range. Then out of the blue comes a young girl to ask if I cared for coffee, tea, water or juice. She also offered dash wipes. I am always all in for amenities, and I took the wipes and coffee. It only took a few minutes, and it was back to the computer screen to review the services they provided and to give an update on my vehicle's condition. I paid, they handed me the bill with 2 air fresheners and away I went. I have to say it was a fun event for a Sunday morning. The dash wipes worked great to finish up the inside, and the air freshener smells lovely. I felt very accomplished by 11:00 on a Sunday. No wonder they score 4.7/5 on the service scale. I would give them a 5.

So why is it some places give amazing, kind service and others not so much. At this particular business they were working in very close quarters. They had to like each other because there was nowhere to go and hide. The mechanics were all young, very young in fact. I did notice a man in his 50s who seemed to be overseeing the work. I could see him talking with the employees, I have no clue what he was saying, they just responded in a positive way. I am assuming he was guiding them on how to make a customer happy. If he wasn't in charge, he was doing a good job of being a great role model. I will go back, that is for sure. It was a nice experience.  

I had a conversation with a group of women about how some workplaces "manage" their people. I am sure that we have all been put in the awkward position of being witness to one employee scolding another employee for something they apparently have done wrong. We, as customers, should not be subjected to that. The person who has done something wrong should not be spoken to in that manner, anywhere, but especially in front of others. I am thinking, if I am ever put in that position again, I am going to say something. Basically, it is harassment and they can't do that. I am sure it will not change a thing other than, maybe, the person I defended will think of someone being nice on their behalf.   

That conversation led to another spin-off conversation. It was how people want things done their way and only their way. They have a condescending way of letting you know you have not met their standards. Often these people are at the top for a reason, to have things done properly in their world, which is their way. That may work in the corporate world, but it does not work in the volunteer world. When you are working with other volunteers, you are there to help out and make a difference. Volunteers want to be surrounded by nice people.

I find it such a relief when I have to phone a business place or to make an appointment and the person taking the call is actually "nice". What a difference to how the next few minutes are going to unfold. If they are nice, efficient, and helpful, it is an incredible experience. For some reason I feel heard! My favorite line is, "I will see what I can do and get back to you", and they do. Even if it isn't what I wanted, someone was nice and did the best they could do for me. Oddly, I just assumed when I worked that there wasn't any other option than to be nice. We are all faced with situations where the last thing we want to do is be nice, but it is often the best option.  

                                                    

Today, Pollyanna has her rose colored glasses on and is hopeful that everyone has an opportunity to realize just how nice you are. There is simply nothing better than "Being Nice".