Wanted to share a thought that came to mind…
While at the grocery store this afternoon I decided to put in an order for a sandwich, which worked perfect because there were other items I could shop for while waiting. I grabbed a slip to indicate what I wanted on my sandwich, labeled it with my name, and placed it on the counter without a care as to when it was ready.
After about fifteen minutes of shopping for the items needed for our dinner, I returned to the deli counter half expecting my sandwich to be ready; however, the line had barely moved. I moved out of the main waiting area since I noticed there were still some order slips that hadn’t been looked at and the same customers were waiting as when I left originally. Additionally, a few other people had shown up wanting hot food while there was only one person working the counter.
Once I noticed that individuals that had come after me started receiving their sandwiches before me I became a little puzzled, so I asked that clerk if he had noticed my sandwich slip and his response was that others had come first. This was not the case, and instantly wanted to challenge the clerk but instead I stepped back and waiting for him to make my sandwich. During this time quite a few thoughts went through my head, things like:
“No, you just didn’t notice my slip and were wrong in making the assumption that others were there before me.”
“Should I mention that I dropped off my sandwich slip close to fifteen minutes ago?”
“Be subtle and ask if it is recommended to stay by the slip to make sure it gets done in order?”
Then something wonderful happened! While I was watching the clerk make my sandwich I was digesting the situation and trying to understand what happened and why I was waiting so long for my sandwich. Rather than being negative and trying to figure out my actions, I turned them to a positive by evaluating the situation. First, I took responsibility for my actions:
“Next time I will either make sure the clerk knows that my sandwich slip is on the counter; or, I will stay while the sandwich is being made.”
“Understand that if I leave my sandwich slip I am running the risk that the slip may not be noticed which could then delay me from getting to my next destination in time.”
Then I remembered one of the “Four Agreements” – Do not take anything personal.
There is no reason for me to take this personal or get upset that my sandwich isn’t ready. It definitely wouldn’t change the situation. So instead, I started thinking about positive items that come from this experience.
“Now that the clerk isn’t under pressure to assist so many other customers, my sandwich will come out delightful because time will taken in putting together my lunch.”
“Saying something about the wait or that I was wrongly placed in the queue would only add to the clerk’s stress or even make them feel bad.” – This was definitely not my intent.
“My patience and composure gave the clerk the confidence needed for them to take their time and make a quality sandwich.”