Polly Wanna Cracker – Have We Become Parrots?

Posted by Deborah Chaddock Brown on October 16, 2008 under Customer Moments, First Impressions, Missed Moments, Perceptions | 2 Comments to Read

How many times do you make a purchase and the cashier says “Have a nice day?”

How does that make you feel?

I once heard a comedian say “I get stressed when someone tells me to have a nice day.  The pressure.  I’m doing the best I can to make it a mediocre day.”

Someone else responded to the expected sentiment “don’t tell me what to do!”

Do we even realize we say it?  If not – how can we possibly mean it?  Are we just “parroting” a script someone provided?

It may seem silly to pick apart a simple 4-word phrase, but those are the Make or Break Moments that we miss. 

One of my past bosses – David Minnix, current VP Stores for Dots clothing chain – has more energy that 8 people combined – it is one of the many things that attract people to him.  His positive attitude, smiling face and awesome outlook on life make you want to be near him and do whatever he says because you just know what ever it is will be great!  He is kind of like a human version of Tony the Tiger and his  ’GREAT!’  catch phrase.

David ends his conversations with “Have a FANTASTIC day.”

Sure, the cynic might quip “how is that any different?” but it just is.  The change of the one word, the emphasis on “fantastic” coupled with the smile and direct eye contact let you know that David REALLY wants you to have a nice day.  In fact, the energy that David puts behind that phrase lets you know that the universe will surely make it happen just because David has deemed it!

Such a small difference.  But powerful.

Listen and be aware today of the phrases you hear others and yourself say.  Is there sincerity?  When you are sincere, does it make a difference?

Reach out – be aware and have a truly remarkable day!