Compliment the Chef

Sorry to anyone thinking this post would be about food. The focus is on letting people know when they have done a good job: chefs, servers, customer service reps, co-workers, kids, parents, etc. People are usually quick to jump on Yelp (or attack the “offender”) when they feel they didn’t get the service they deserved but most aren’t as quick to give praise or post positive reviews. That goes for the corporate world as well where employees are much more likely to be told when they made a mistake (teachable moment?) than given a pat on the back for a job well done.

Having been in retail for several years through college and ending my career in a systems-support group I am very sensitive to the imbalance in feedback received by anyone in a service role. For that reason I (and my wife) go out of my way to let people know when the service they provide is good and let them know I appreciate what they do/did. It doesn’t take any effort and you will make someone’s day with a few simple sincere words of affirmation for a job well done.

Our most recent such encounter is what spurred me to write this. My wife and I were at one of our favorite local pubs (if you’ve been following my blog you’re used to those last 3 words) where the chef has to come out to the bar to get refrigerated items. On this night we took the opportunity to compliment him on the food. He immediately brightened and thanked us. A few minutes later he came out with his laptop to give us a preview of the new menu to be rolled out soon. While we were drooling over the new items, he asked if we liked soup (which he just added to the menu). We said yes and he disappeared into the kitchen, coming back with two cups of the next day’s soup – Navy Bean with smoked turkey. YUM! The bar manager came over after seeing this and said “He must really like you guys to do that”

We didn’t do anything special, just let the chef know how much we enjoy his food and how he kicked up the quality of the food when he came on board recently. That simple act of acknowledging his effort and product validated the work he is putting in and let him know he is appreciated. That was our only goal and it made us feel good too. Establishing a relationship with him was an unexpected bonus. We can’t wait for the new menu!

A few days later we were sitting at the bar of our local brewery (more familiar words to regular readers) right next to the service area. The place was busier than we have ever seen and the two beertenders were handling lines of up to 12 people at times over a 2-hour period with little break. On top of that, a large portion of the orders were either for flights or from very difficult customers, sometimes both. They were frazzled to say the least but they handled every customer with poise and a smile even as kegs kicked and the line kept growing. Every time they had a chance to exhale we let them know they were doing a great job handling the rush and it was evident on their faces that they appreciated being acknowledged. Just a few simple kind words made a visible difference – no effort, just paying attention and appreciating what and how they were doing.

I try to practice that same behavior in all my interactions. While dealing with my late parents’ estate, the local bank branch manager spent many hours with me tracking accounts, printing documents, and searching records. When we were finally done I asked her for her manager’s name and address so I could write a letter of thanks on her behalf. It was well deserved after all she had done for me and took much less affort than she had put in. And the smile on her face made my day.

I’m also quick to ask for a manager in a restaurant, bar or retail store when I experience superior service. As service employees are used to that being a negative request I get some startled looks at first. Those quickly change to smiles when I compliment them to their manager in front of them. Same goes for customer service reps on the phone. A tough job made harder because people jump at the rep when they don’t get what they want but seldom thank or compliment the rep for helping them. Try that the next time you get help from someone on the other end of the phone. You will feel the person brighten at being acknowledged and you will feel better too.

It’s easy to fly off the handle when we feel slighted but it’s even easier to let someone know they did a great job and you appreciate them and what they did – you just have to nurture that mindset. Remember, it takes more energy to frown than to smile, so conserve energy, smile, and give a well-deserved compliment. You’ll make someone’s day and you’ll feel better too.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com 4-11-2022