Be Better

Be better, two words that can make all the difference in the world.  It separates good from great.  Be better, offers an exchange of ordinary experiences for extraordinary.

Be Better

Let me tell you about an experience that I had at a restaurant this week.  As I walked in, the hostess said that it would be about ten minutes before we could be seated.  My natural reaction was to peer around the room to see how full they were.  Well, the room was about half full!

The young hostess watched me look around the room!  She explained that the wait was necessary so the kitchen didn’t get overwhelmed.

Right on queue, about ten minutes later, we were seated.  A kind waitress approached and began to cover the menu.  She wrapped up by explaining several things they were out of.    

Not off to the best start! 

I’m a people watcher.  About mid-way through dinner, I observed a lady approaching the bar.  Her body language told me everything I needed to know.  She too was “peering around,” looking for someone.  I felt like she was looking for a manager and she didn’t look happy!  My instincts were dead on! 

She gave the manager the business about their food taking too long.  There are just Mean and Nasty People in this world!  That portion of the experience made me think, we have got to be better, be better people.

This world has enough tension, division, and nastiness.  We could all make the world better by exhibiting five simple behaviors. 

Be Patient

Guess what?  It didn’t kill me to wait ten minutes to be seated.  The world didn’t end that day because the food took a little longer.  In fact, it was worth the wait.  The food was solid.

Patience is at a premium these days.  Busy creates hurry.  Hurry pushes us right towards impatience.

Patience positions us to appreciate experiences.  It keeps us from disrupting the experience for others as well.   

Be Loving

The waitress gave advance warning that the food delivery may be slow.  But, she said, “It will take some time, but they put love in the food.”  What a perspective!

While I felt bad she felt the need to justify the time it would take to get the food, her perspective was powerful.

I firmly believe that whatever we put love into always turns out better than we expected.  Love produces an end product that always shines brighter. 

Be Kind

The grumpy lady that griped to the manager…unkind.  She accomplished nothing more than ruining someone else’s night.  It was just unnecessary. 

I did have to chuckle, as she finished her complaint, the server was already headed to her table with the food!    

I have always tried to live by this rule, it’s never necessary to talk down to another human being.  No matter how justified it may be, it never feels right after. 

There was a way to deliver disappointment, it just doesn’t require harsh words or a mean demeaner.

A little kindness goes a long way.  It’s like the age old saying goes, “kill them with kindness.”  It’s the great neutralizer of unkind people.   

Be Empathetic

I’m quite certain the manager, the kitchen staff, and the servers intended to give everyone a great experience that day.  I would also assume they knew they were coming up short and didn’t need someone compounding that stress.

On top of that, I would bet that stress was on top of other stressors in their life.  They could be walking through the death of a family member, personal illness, addiction, depression, abuse, financial struggles, and etc.

You never know what someone else is walking through.  Empathy allows us to start from a place of grace.  Grace is a gift that we can give to those who are struggling.  Why?  Because we all could use a little grace.       

Be Thankful

At the end of the meal, the waitress approached with the bill.  I almost felt like she was hesitant to ask how the experience was.  Likely, she had dealt with some other grumpy people that night.  To her surprise, she was met with a smile and told how great the food was.  Her demeanor changed instantly.  It breathed life into her. 

Gratitude is never silent.  It requires words to be expressed outwardly.  Gratitude left unsaid, never existed.  A simple thank you goes a long way.  A little smile helps with the delivery! 

Conclusion

A little food for thought…we need to do better…all of us.  I wish that in the midst of bad moments, I could do a better job of reminding myself with these those two impactful words…be better.

The world we live in needs it.  The people we serve and lead need it.  Be better.