Photo Credit: stu_spivack

Effective communication is very much about the receiver of information. What does the receiver need/want to know?

Today at lunch, I went to a sub shop that I like. On the front door and again at the cash register were copies of the sign to the left. As I waited for my sandwich (obviously, not a meatball sub on wheat with a side Caesar salad), I watched as each customer stopped to read the sign, many commenting. It was a strange sign, and I kept thinking about it.

If sales of that product are low, it seems like it could be discontinued with no comment. The rare person who asks for the item can be told that the item is discontinued. You could even console the poor people that will need to get their wheat bread elsewhere.

I waited for my order thinking over my sins of the past. I never ordered enough meatball subs in the past, and now it is time to pay the price. Due to my behavior, something that I never ordered is now not available. If my behavior continues, more things will be removed. I committed to myself to do better in the future.

I continued to think of something else that was no longer available at this restaurant. The people at the counter used to talk to the customers. It used to be fun to come into the restaurant. The new crop of workers appear disturbed when I interrupt their texting to place my order. I bet these signs are here instead of having to talk to me. I suddenly remember that when I paid for my order and thanked the cashier, I received no response. Luckily, I look at my receipt and “Thank You” is printed right there at the bottom. I read it over and over to myself wondering whether the restaurant that comes in when this one fails will be better.

Comments