On the flipside of the Turkey Sandwich Saga:
There’s a new Quiznos sub shop down the street from me here in Poway, CA, so I went there yesterday to check them out. And to get lunch. That’s what you call your win-win scenario.
The manager, who looked to be around 50 years old, was training two new employees in this spanking new shop. I ordered a smoked turkey on (of course) whole wheat, and while someone was assembling my order, I scooted over to the cash register to pay.
And then I heard something remarkable. Now, to you this may sound trivial, but to me it was…it was like music.
The manager, who had been watching his young charge work on my lunch, said this:
“Nice work, Mike.”
Now that I think about it, that was the first time I even noticed the manager. So, as I settled up with the cashier, I paid him closer attention, and I noticed that he was still watching Mike. And as Mike cut my sandwich, wrapped it and handed it to the cashier, the boss nodded and said,
“Good job, Mike.”
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. It was such a simple thing. Practically nothing, really. A few words of encouragement in a work setting that is not exactly at the cutting edge of nano technology. So why did it have such an impact on me?
And then last night it hit me: I’m 48 years old. I’ve eaten in a lot of sandwich establishments, shopped in a lot of stores, flown on a lot of airplanes and consumed more than my fair share of goods and services in my near-half-century of existence.
And as a retail customer, until yesterday at Quiznos, I have never, ever overheard a boss give a compliment to an employee. I’m not saying it never happens; it just doesn’t seem to happen publicly.
And retailers wonder why, in their businesses, ridiculously high turnover is a “fact of life.”
So let me say this:
Nice work, Mike’s boss. Good job.
I’ll see you at lunch.
What a great example of positive reinforcement from that manager. I believe I’m safe to predict a long, profitable future for your local Quiznos. And Steve, thank you for sharing this with all of us. It’s a super reminder to watch and listen as we’re out and about.
What a great example of positive reinforcement from that manager. I believe I’m safe to predict a long, profitable future for your local Quiznos. And Steve, thank you for sharing this with all of us. It’s a super reminder to watch and listen as we’re out and about.
Mike will remember those kinds words from his boss long after he remembers what he did with his paycheck. And if the world is really lucky, Mike will grow up to become a boss, and say those same words to someone in his charge.
Great story!!!
Mike will remember those kinds words from his boss long after he remembers what he did with his paycheck. And if the world is really lucky, Mike will grow up to become a boss, and say those same words to someone in his charge.
Great story!!!
I like that Quiznos, but I wish they would extend the store hours. The people are friendly, and the manager knows what he’s doing. I believe I overheard him speaking with another customer about his son and football. No doubt that his style of parenting carries over to his business.
I like that Quiznos, but I wish they would extend the store hours. The people are friendly, and the manager knows what he’s doing. I believe I overheard him speaking with another customer about his son and football. No doubt that his style of parenting carries over to his business.