“The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone.”
– Pope Leo XIV
As a parent, it can be hysterical and/or frightening to see your personality traits come alive in your children. At 18 years of age, my oldest, Annie, is her father’s daughter in so many ways. One of those ways is her hyperbolic, comedic rants after coming home from her job at a local bakery. Annie is learning a lot about the ups and downs of customer service.
Last week at dinner, Annie was describing a “game” she regularly has to play with customers who select their assorted pastries, place them in a box, close the lid, and then present said closed box to Annie at the register to pay and expect Annie to know what’s inside. Annie then has to ask the customer to either open the box or describe what’s inside. This exchange, according to my impatient daughter, repeats no less than 100 times each shift and drives her bonkers. “Just open the box!” Annie yelled dramatically at our dinner table. “Or just tell me what it is! Why must we play the game? How can I possibly know?”
After I stopped laughing at her humorous diatribe, I tried to help my oldest understand how a workflow improvement might help, and that the need for patience won’t go away as her professional pursuits expand. I couldn’t help but reflect on how often in life and leadership I can be either the customer or Annie. Whether it’s a frustration with a friend or an issue at work, how often do I hand somebody a “closed box” filled with all my thoughts and feelings and expect them to know what’s inside? As a leader, when I receive those “treats in a closed box,” how patient am I to go through the effort to uncover each part, a task that may feel tedious to me but is necessary for them? In my relationship with the Lord, He already knows what’s inside, but am I willing to open the lid and unpack for myself what’s inside?
While the customer may always be right at the bakery, I am reminded that I need to make sure, regardless of whether I’m behind the counter or in front of it, that I provide the best possible service. As we continue to enjoy the sweet treats of summer, let’s be sure to both open up ourselves and be patient as others do the same.
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