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Letters to a Young Manager


Cajun Popcorn, #91
LTYM > Service II



Dear Adam,
***
Sounds like one service story is engendering another. Have you noticed how telling jokes or stories works this way? They trigger memories you want to share. The trick is not to get into a vicious cycle of one-upmanship, yes?

My brother's son, who is ten, loves Cajun food. His favorite dish is Cajun popcorn. My brother took his son to a new restaurant that prided itself on fast, automated service. However, when his son ordered Cajun Popcorn, he was told there was no child's portion. Knowing that there was no way the boy could eat an adult portion, my brother asked for half an adult's portion. The response? "I'm sorry, but the computer doesn't have that option." The point is that no matter how fast or automated a service is, if it doesn't meet the customer's needs, it's not excellent service.

Tell me some more of your stories!
***
Best regards,
Ed
________________________

References...

Takeaways:

If it doesn't meet the customer's unique needs, it's not excellent service.

Discussion Questions:

1) What's your favorite restaurant story? How many other people have you told?
2) What stories are your stakeholders or customers telling about you and your department?

For Further Reading:





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