Have you been served lately?

I don't know if anyone has noticed but I have experienced deteriorating state of behavior by those who provide services to the public!

Cashiers at sales counters and in banking halls, customer care providers at telecoms offices, receptionists, sales personnel in shops and fast food restaurants to name a few. Even those who deal with the public in offices are usually found wanting and culpable. I say usually because though not everyone in that category is guilty, most of them are as the 'the customer is always right' phrase has been thrown to out to the dogs to feed on.

People behind counters, almost any type of counter, often treat people like they are doing them a favor. They hardly have regard for simple courteous behavior on the job, most times they keep people waiting, some even are distracted by receiving phone calls whilst on duty. In some cases smiling and polite behavior is seen as a no no. People frown when you ask for explanations which really is their duty anyway to ensure you understand all there is to know.

God help you if you dare ask to be taken through procedures where necessary. They act like demi-gods, snap and deal with customers in an off hand, impatient manner. In some instances you are at their mercy whilst they leave you waiting to gist or gossip about one thing or the other whilst on duty. If you dare complain you may be told to be patient or go elsewhere.

These days I find that I almost have to fight someone to get good attention or to be served in a right and principled courteous manner. True, most service oriented offices now conduct training for their staff on how to deal with the public but a lot still needs to be done in terms of making those steps continuous. People seem to forget what their duties are on the job and perform their functions in an unethical and sometimes rude manner.

Yes there are some good exceptions but most of the time you come away with the feeling that something is not just right and very wrong in the way you get service at public places. Is anyone listening? nurses, receptionists, cashiers, salespersons, cleaners, ticketing officers at airport check-in counters, secretaries, personal assistants, security guards, gatemen and so on.

We need to ensure a meaningful change in our mode of service delivery and about time too!

Have you been attended to in a way that made you feel respected and regarded, guaranteed to make you  a frequent customer?

Share your experience please, those who deserve a pat on the back, should be recognized more so as in this category, the beautiful ones are not being born swiftly enough!