Yesterday I was flying home from a mini vacation skiing in Utah. I had a layover in Detroit and headed to my favorite lunch and/or dinner spot in Terminal A-Sora Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar. It was just past lunch time and we were in luck as there was no line for a table.
This place really rocks both their sushi and their noodle dishes. My favorite is zygoza ramen. It’s full of great ingredients and very flavorful.
I ordered my favorite with a hot tea and began to check e-mail as I waited. First the tea arrived and as I said “thank you” to my waitress she responded with “no problem”. That response 1 time would have been OK. It seems every time she brought something to my table and I thanked her, she responded with the same statement “No Problem”. I then began to listen as she interacted with the rest of the diners and her response was always the same “No Problem”.
This had me thinking–I don’t blame her for what seems to be a brush off response. I believe the issue lies in her training. What would an answer like “It’s my pleasure” do for those dining at the restaurant? Or even ” you are welcome”. Would these go further toward delivering a great customer service experience.
I don’t mean to pick on this great restaurant nor our waitress. I think the issues lies even deeper in our society. Where have the phrases “It’s my pleasure” or “You are welcome” all gone?
As I though more about this over the past day, I found this great article on the topic: “19 Words That Will Make People Like You More“. Check it out and if you found this post helpful–You Are Welcome.