Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash
Service with Soul
I got a manicure yesterday, and it was pretty different than most appointments. Typically, I head into a nail appointment pretty excited and ready to go, and then soon my mood changes. Although I’m always on the lookout for new zen nail salons, I find myself in a room with a TV blasting the news and the technicians talking to their friends via earbuds. In my search for soul connection, I think the lovely tech is speaking to me. I soon find out that she’s catching up with her boyfriend overseas.
Yesterday was different. Yesterday I booked a quick noon appointment. As I strolled into the shop, it looked a little more crowded than usual. The owner waved me in and pointed to an empty chair with a clean towel laid out. The next thing that happened was a huge, lovely surprise. The owner’s mom, a wise 80 something year old Vietnamese woman, came over to do my nails. She didn’t speak English, and I don’t speak Vietnamese, but we had a wonderful time together.
There were no TVs, no phone calls, no conversations. I watched her weathered fingers work on my hands for over 30 minutes, and I so appreciated the love and care. She wasn’t multi-tasking, she was focused on me. As she massaged my hands and the manicure was wrapping up, she pulled her daughter over. The elderly woman wasn’t happy with her work. Immediately, the daughter applied another coat of polish and all was well. I wouldn’t have minded if my nails were less than perfect. I really enjoyed being the focus for those 30 minutes.
That got me thinking of how I can provide this level of service to others.
How can I exceed expectations?
How can I avoid multitasking and deliver exceptional care?
This 80 year old woman taught me how love combined with service delivers the best results.
Lesson learned!