I heard about the Starbucks employee, Chris Cristwell, that got fired for a rant video about his day with inconsiderate customers, and just had to write about it. Now granted, I wasn’t in favor of all of his words, but the message does ring true. In today’s world of business where everything is about the customer, it seems like the employees are being forgotten more and more. Judging from some comments on the many stories that are posting all over the web, the words resonate with a lot of retail workers. Maybe some companies need a lesson that humans are not just resources, when dealing with their employees?
And on the flip side as consumers, I really think that we need to relearn what being human feels like. When I’m ordering something or talking to someone behind a desk, and ask them how they’re doing, it’s really enlightening to see how their faces and voices light up. And to hear their words of gratitude that someone cares just a little is really humbling. We really need to extend a hand of friendship for those who work in the service field. Especially since this is what makes up the majority of work in America today!
Having been in their shoes when I was younger, I totally get what they’re talking about. And as I got older and still worked in jobs that provided services to other workers and customer, I can attest that it didn’t improve a whole lot with a venue change to the “corporate” world. Hopefully, today’s companies really mean what they say about valuing their employees. I would hate to find out that their words were just words. All people are important to the whole. Not just those who pay. And we also need to realize that when someone is blowing off steam, then they’re entitled as long as they do it responsibly. Everyone has bad days.
To the business world: Yes, customers are important if you’re worrying about fiscal bottom lines. But if that’s all that you’re worried about, then you might want to take a closer look at your employees. I have this feeling that their feelings are still being ignored. Because if they were being heard, would this story resonate with the working class right now? Would we be seeing marches against companies, Wall Street, and the government? Would class warfare be a legitimate discussion topic?
Just a thought…
The Rant Song
And It’s Over…Or Is It?
http://youtu.be/V2aquc9gYUE
