Every Thursday I feature a “throwback” post from my blog archive. The goal is to look back and discover new lessons or opportunities to grow. This week, we’ll look at “My Pleasure.” You can view the original post here. For today, here’s a quick recap and a few more thoughts about making an impact where you are…
I eat a lot of Chick Fil A. I am currently pretty flush with points so when lunchtime funds are low, the number one with extra pickles comes in clutch. This week, as I reread “My Pleasure,” I couldn’t help but smile. I have seen Chick Fil A change over the years. I actually worked at Chick Fil A and remember when the phrase “My Pleasure” was first rolled out. It was a little awkward and weird at first. That phrase didn’t really feel like a natural response when someone said, “Thank you.” I also remember a time before employees delivered your food to your seat, offered refills, or cleared your table. As a customer, you used to have to do all of that yourself.
Not subscribed yet? Use the
box below to get This Awesome
Life delivered to your inbox.
What I love about that story is that it was one guy who truly changed the culture of a major organization. Norman leaned into his gifts, he was faithful with what he was given, and he made a huge difference. While Norman’s story can teach us a lot about making an impact where you are, he can also teach us something about the value of serving others.
Most quick-service establishments (aka fast food chains) today would never employ a guy like Norman. They wouldn’t want to “waste the labor cost” on such a position. The truth is, before Norman, no one went to Chick Fil A and said, “You know what would make this chicken more delicious? If someone would greet me at the front door and bring my food to my table. I hate standing at the counter for those twelve seconds while they put my food on the tray.” I think we were all quite comfortable with the original system. In fact, the first time I went to Norman’s Chick Fil A and experienced this “new thing,” I was a little weirded out. I thought that was not how this is supposed to work.
Fast forward to today and most businesses are trying to cut labor to the bare minimum. Honestly… it shows. But Chick Fil A has decided to be different. Instead of trying to get cheaper and cheaper, they have instead focused on a high level of service. They want customers to feel welcomed and taken care of. Of course, making a profit matters. But for Chick Fil A, customer service is what they want to be known for.
For me, this is a great encouragement to stay committed to seeing people and always look for ways to serve them. Going out of our way to make someone else’s day better is always a win. The biggest win is when we serve others we show them what Jesus is like. The Bible says that Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He came so that we could have life, not so that He could have status, wealth, or power. His example is one that we should all follow in every area of our lives.
Going out of our way to make someone
Tweet
else’s day better is always a win.
So today, go eat some Chick Fil A and think about how can you serve those around you. Maybe it’s a simple gesture like paying for someone’s coffee. Maybe it’s an encouraging word that you share in person or through a simple text. But maybe, you have no idea. That’s ok. The great thing about people’s needs is that they always show up somewhere. If we stay focused and look for opportunities, they’ll just… appear. I promise you this, there is someone in your life that needs you today. Don’t miss out. And when you do find that opportunity, and you hear “Thank you,” feel free to say “My Pleasure!”
Our stories are what shape us and reveal our purpose. Even random moments about collard greens can have an impact! I wrote a book called “Magic in the Mug” about this very subject. It’s filled with such stories and is all about they can help us discover a life of purpose. I’d love your help getting this book out into the world! Click Here to find out more and help make this dream a reality!
BrandonHair.me 
Leave a comment