It has been a wonderful day with brilliant sunshine and generally people feeling very uplifted. One of the beauties of the British Isles is that we have some wonderful weather albeit to listen to the average conversation anyone would think otherwise. I love the changing seasons, the relative unpredictability of it all and the fact that as the year unfolds so does the changing scenery, type of clothes we wear, the food we eat, the drinks we drink. Yes, there are some events that cause pain and problems but compared with other parts of the world we are very fortunate. Now this is not a ramble about the weather – a subject always on the tongues of many a ‘Brit’. No, this is more about our attitude and the impact it has. But please bear with me so you get the theme of the issue.
I have been working long days all week and whilst I had some work to do today, it was more about getting a few jobs done and errands run. I set off fairly early this morning as I had a fair list to complete so by about 10.30am I was ready for a well earnt pause. So decided a stop at a favourite cafe where they have tables and chairs on the pavement and in the shade. Whilst I do like the sun I can find that I can get a good ‘British Tan’ (pink) if I am not careful. I also had a copy of the daily paper which I wanted to have a look through. Now one of the things I like about this cafe is that the service is always good, although never speedy, unless specifically asked for. The benefits are three fold – firstly I get to read more of my paper, secondly I can people watch for a little longer, and thirdly everything is prepared fresh. My usual preference is for a large black coffee and a croissant. In most brand named establishments the coffee is equally as good but the croissant is cold and served plain. In this cafe a large cup of steaming coffee arrives shortly after a plate had been placed with a thick white serviette and knife. Some while later a basket arrives lined with another thick white serviette together with its’ contents of a freshly baked croissant, some butter and a small jar of preserve with the red and white check top – just wonderful. The people serving are always delightful, and interestingly the price is no different from the other places, so you can see why I prefer this cafe.
The interesting part of today came from the gentleman who served me. He was charming and looked after me very well, he came and took the order, prepared that table with the plate, brought my coffee, brought the croissant and received payment (and a tip). But, and it is an interesting but, in the conversation that was part of our interchange he was clearly wishing he was not at work due to the weather. “I’d be even better if I wasn’t’ here on a day like today.”
My next point of call elicited a very similar comment from the delightful young lady who looked after me as I quivered and quavered about an article I was looking at.
As I continued with my errands it made me ponder a few thoughts:
- The service I had received was first class.
- Just a few words had made me feel a little uneasy.
- Had I allowed those words to make me feel uneasy and take the edge off each event and if so, why?
The answer to that question was very clear – I was no longer the focus of their attention – their wish to be elsewhere was.
And perhaps most importantly it turned the mirror back on me:
- What do I say that may make others feel uneasy, and make me appear to be less present with my clients?
Now that is a question I will give some thought to. Will you?
My good wishes,
Peter
