My work requires much interaction with other people. I’m in retail sales. However,
- I find myself backing up when customers come too close
- I find myself answering their questions too completely and getting dragged into their needs
- I find myself thinking as they are talking to me: “Okay, whatever, I don’t need your life history…just say what you want, let me point you in the right direction…then, you go make a decision!”
- People are soooooo needy.
- No one wants to just take care of their own needs. They want someone else to do it for them! Ugh!
- I’m the same way! UGH - UGH - UGH I don’t want to research anything because it takes too much time. I don’t want to finish my resume because it frustrates me. I don’t want to think about how to improve my financial situation because I’m tired of doing it all myself forever! Wah, wah, wah.
Yesterday, a very nice older gentleman came in the store looking for a bible. He stated that he didn’t have a clue as to what bible to buy because he’s never read the bible before but that he is a new Christian (am I supposed to be capitalizing the word ‘bible’?). So, because he is so sincere in his asking and polite in his manners, I am patiently and cheerfully going back to the bible aisle to help him decipher the myriad of choices there.
As I start to talk with him, another customer comes up to offer assistance. She has in her hands a bible I don’t particularly care for. Okay. Number one. In sales, it doesn’t matter if you care for it or not. You are supposed to be focused on the customer needs, not your own agenda. Hmmm…I’m on to something here…side note (I’m absorbed with my own agenda…HELLO!) I need to write about this…it’s time to get honest. Anyway, so all these thoughts that I’m writing right now are swirling through my head as I’m trying to help this customer. And, for some stupid reason that I can’t understand, it irritates me that this other customer has butted in to our conversation with her “help”. Now, why should that irritate me? She’s sincerely trying to be helpful from her own point of view - why is that offensive to me?
I suddenly realize why. She’s invaded my space w/out persmission. She’s too close to me. I’m very uncomfortable at the store when customers get too physically close to me. It’s happened a lot recently where I find myself backing up and trying not to be obvious. It’s almost laughable sometimes, because some people, just keep advancing and you have to stop backing up before someone else sees you doing it. It’s actually probably good fodder for a comedy skit.
Anyway, back to my little gentleman. He’s very patiently listening to me and the other customer (who it turns out is a pastor/preacher/teacher … who knows … everytime I address a pastor as pastor/preacher/teacher I get corrected so I really don’t know anymore what the person that talks at the front of church services is called today — whatever. It also isn’t important to me anymore…is that a bad thing?
Okay. Anyway, I thank the intruding customer in my kind and gentle sales voice and then get the bible seeking customer settled into a chair with 3 or 4 different bibles for him to peruse while I get back to the front check out area to wait on other customers who are ready with their purchases.
There is a very tall, stately gentleman at the other register. I noticed at the beginning of the conversation w/my bible seeking customer that he was listening patiently (not eavesdropping…not interrupting…not obnoxiously spewing his own suggestions and help onto us) just patiently listening and waiting. As he started to leave, he turned and looked at me and I quickly offered: “Sir, if you have the time, would you be interested in visiting with the gentleman in the back? He could use some help and it will be just a little bit before I can go back and spend some time with him.” The tall man quietly smiled, tipped his hand to the edge of his hat brim and said: “Why, yes ma’am, I would really like to if you think that is alright?” “Of course!”, I replied. It was such a nice exhcange, and edifying experience.
He went to the back of the store and sat down with the little man and you could hear them talking with each other, one asking questions, the other patiently answering. After a bit, the tall gentleman came walking up front, leaving. He smiled at me as I looked up questioningly and said, “It’s going to take a little time, but he’s headed in the right direction.” I just smiled and said “Thank you so much for helping him. He’s really hungry, isn’t he?” The man, said simply: “Yes, he is, Yes, he is. It just takes a little time. Thank you, ma’am.” And, he was gone.
Shortly thereafter, the little man came to the front of the store to make his purchase. I was delighted to see that he had chosen the bible I had first shown to him. He wanted a tabbed one and couldn’t afford it. He shyly stated, “I’ll be back next week to buy the tabs.” When he comes back, I hope I am there so I can help him put the tabs on. He seems like he might not be able to do that easily. When you get older, your fingers don’t turn the pages quite as smoothly as they once did. I wanted to buy the tabs for him but I didn’t/don’t have the funds to do that.
But, the story doesn’t end there. Stay tuned for the sequel…
I think I’m finally sleepy enough to catch a nap before time to get up for the day…
gracy2