The Power of Acknowledgement
I was in a local "dollar store." There was a young man trying to help an older lady check out, and she was taking forever! He didn't look like someone that knew much about customer service, and so I didn't expect much when it was my turn to check out.
To my surprise, the young man said to me, "Sir, I apologize for your wait." He acknowledged my excessive wait! Wow! I didn't expect that sort of professionalism from a dollar store, but I DO expect it from Starbuck's, Dell Computer, and a nice department store. I can't help but to think that this young man could teach us all something!
Have we made someone wait too long lately? Is there a chance we can acknowledge them by saying, "Sorry for the delay" or
"I apologize for making you wait?" In a rush, have we asked for an electronic file, received it, and forgotten to click back and say, "Got it! Thank you!"
Have we missed the opportunity to acknowledge that we were late in meeting an associate, a client, or, maybe even our spouse? A simple, "Sorry to take so long" can be a kind gesture in breaking down an unnecessary wall of resistance.
Mastering the Power of Acknowledgement can increase our potential to separate ourselves from the rest of the field!
