Who?
Gretel
Where?
Berlin, Germany
What?
"Your service is stunning. That friendly addressing people, your smile, and the way you follow their and your routine simultaneously- I am amazed. Thank you for your beautiful way!"
How did she react?
She grinned, said thank you, but stayed pretty even- at least I thought she did at first. At second sight however I spotted two watery eyes...
How did I feel?
I don't expect to be treated as a queen at ALDI. Working there is no child's dream. I shop at that store because I can't afford a better one, not because it's known for it's service.
Today I was checked out by Gretel. She proved my expectations wrong. Apparently her job does not bother her, quite the opposite: She scans the food in record time and keeps a grin on her face. While her customers look for their credit card Gretel quickly sorts things in the right bags, casually telling people where she has put what, asking "Does that work for you?". In between she chats with her coworker, creating a family like vibe in the store. And: She is never at a loss for words. While I observed her she kept philandering with the customers in her dry Berliner way. When I asked her: "Can I take a picture of you?" she replied, "If your lens can bear me!"
So, how did her reaction make me feel?
I have always been one for the crying. Spontaneous tears are the single most beautiful gift anyone can give me in return for what I tell them. It does not happen often but when I see a wet shimmer in a recipient's eye it switches on the greatest joy inside of me and leaves me standing in awe, thinking "Wow, I just did this. I said a few words and changed something for that person! As simple as that- I am capable of making an impact... This is - incredible." With these thoughts in my head I stood there speechless today. All I was capable of was a big, honest "Awwwwwhhhhh!"
Together, Gretel and I laughed.
Thank you so much for making me feel this way, Gretel!
Gretel
Where?
Berlin, Germany
What?
"Your service is stunning. That friendly addressing people, your smile, and the way you follow their and your routine simultaneously- I am amazed. Thank you for your beautiful way!"
How did she react?
She grinned, said thank you, but stayed pretty even- at least I thought she did at first. At second sight however I spotted two watery eyes...
How did I feel?
I don't expect to be treated as a queen at ALDI. Working there is no child's dream. I shop at that store because I can't afford a better one, not because it's known for it's service.
Today I was checked out by Gretel. She proved my expectations wrong. Apparently her job does not bother her, quite the opposite: She scans the food in record time and keeps a grin on her face. While her customers look for their credit card Gretel quickly sorts things in the right bags, casually telling people where she has put what, asking "Does that work for you?". In between she chats with her coworker, creating a family like vibe in the store. And: She is never at a loss for words. While I observed her she kept philandering with the customers in her dry Berliner way. When I asked her: "Can I take a picture of you?" she replied, "If your lens can bear me!"
So, how did her reaction make me feel?
I have always been one for the crying. Spontaneous tears are the single most beautiful gift anyone can give me in return for what I tell them. It does not happen often but when I see a wet shimmer in a recipient's eye it switches on the greatest joy inside of me and leaves me standing in awe, thinking "Wow, I just did this. I said a few words and changed something for that person! As simple as that- I am capable of making an impact... This is - incredible." With these thoughts in my head I stood there speechless today. All I was capable of was a big, honest "Awwwwwhhhhh!"
Together, Gretel and I laughed.
Thank you so much for making me feel this way, Gretel!