A bad taste in my mouth
Adobe
I had the unfortunate experience of calling a customer service line this morning. It didn't go well.
The person started off pleasant, cheerful, and accommodating. She seemed almost eager to assist me. Then I asked for help, and things became awkward.
She had particular difficulty pronouncing my last name. I admit, it involves three syllables. But it is, in fact, an English name that can be sounded out relatively easily. Then it seemed like everything I asked her to do was not her responsibility, beyond her capabilities, or a task she felt I could probably complete on my own.
Perhaps the most unpleasant part of the experience was that the customer service agent tried to make me feel as though I had inconvenienced her by pointing out that her company had failed to provide the service I had purchased.
Once it became painfully clear that I wasn't making any headway with her, she asked the obligatory and extremely uncomfortable question, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Well, no" I replied. "The only thing I needed, you apparently can't do."
Perhaps the most awkward part, at least for her, was when she told me I might be receiving a call to rate her service, and she hoped I would give her a 5 out of 5.
I must confess that after dealing with that person, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. I had a lingering sense of frustration, as well as a determination never to do business with that company ever again.
Aftertastes can be good or bad. After drinking a cup of freshly ground coffee or biting into a Nanaimo bar (a delicious Canadian delicacy), there is a delightful lingering taste to savor as you recall the bliss of what you just devoured. There are also negative aftertastes, like when my mother forced her beleaguered children to take a teaspoon of cod liver oil each day! It didn't matter how healthy she claimed it would make us, we all gagged as the residual taste of fish lingered long after we dutifully swallowed our dose.
I have learned that people leave an aftertaste as well, and not just for cannibals. Even after a brief interaction, some people leave a smile on our face and a lighthearted sense in our spirit. They are pleasant, cheerful, and willing to go the extra mile to be of assistance. While these people may be customer service agents, they could also be flight attendants, receptionists, or even friends.
Interacting pleasantly with others seems to be a bit of a lost art. These days, people seem to be absorbed in their AirPods or cell phones, with no time or interest in engaging with the people around them. But now and then, I encounter someone who seems to take a genuine interest in others. They ask insightful, curious questions. They seem genuinely delighted by each interaction. If they help someone, they act as though the other person did thema favor. Delightful people leave a pleasant, endearing aftertaste long after they have gone.
I have been convicted that I leave an aftertaste too. I know it isn't always as pleasant as it ought to be. Sometimes, I'm in a hurry, distracted, or disinterested. That's a shame, because it's an enormous privilege to make someone's day better through even the briefest encounter.
As you go about your day, be intentional about leaving people with a wonderful, delightful feeling because they had the good fortune to cross your path today.
 | Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and lives in Georgia. He travels internationally speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace as well as on spiritual awakening, experiencing God, and the Christian life. Richard regularly ministers to Christian CEOs and business leaders. He has written or co-authored 33 books . This article was first published on RichardBlackaby.com. Used with permission from Blackaby Ministries International. Learn More » |
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