A Tale of Two Tips

I cannot understand it. It seems so obvious, yet it continues to elude people over and over again. James understood it. He possessed it and he demonstrated it with gusto. Darren* didn’t have a clue.

Both of these young men had the same important job. They were responsible for representing a large beach resort by taking care of the resort’s clientele. Specifically, each employee was to assist the guest with beach umbrella and chair rentals.

I first encountered Darren. As I entered the resort’s beach, I realized that Darren was two football fields away from me, trying hard not to look in my direction. I, therefore, began the journey to hike to him. As I approached, he continued to look away. I finally reached him as he was sitting in his chair, glued to his iPad.

After a few awkward moments, I spoke to him. He reluctantly nodded his head and told me to travel on down the beach to someone else for help. This did not go over well with me, and it did not go very well for him either. After a few direct comments from me, he turned off his iPad, and I walked him back to my original place on the beach where he begrudgingly set up an umbrella and chairs for us. As he lumbered back to his station, up walks James.

With a smile on his face, he greeted me. He quickly confirmed our reservation for the beach set and welcomed me to the gulf. He called me by name and wasted no time in adjusting the umbrella and chairs to my satisfaction.

No matter where I saw him around the resort, he greeted me with a smile and great customer service. I couldn’t wait to bring James a big tip of the financial nature.

The importance of people skills seems so obvious to me. In professional or personal relationships, those who choose to exemplify strong people skills are much more successful than those who choose to stay self-focused. Both James and Darren got “tips” from me. I hope Darren chooses to use his to improve his ability to serve others. Who knows, the way James is going he may own that beach resort one day.

Choose to treat others well and you will make a difference!

Dr. Larry Little, CEO