Friendliness Goes a Long Way
by Dave Travis, Leadership Network
I was in Orlando this week to speak to a group of pastors for a denomination.
They were meeting right next to the main attraction down there, but not
officially on the property. The big mouse company down there has a reputation
for excellent guest relations. Sometimes they perform and sometimes they don't.
My colleague Warren Schuh and I found some cast members that needed some
retraining this week.
But the hotel we were in did not carry the magic name. The hotel was one of
the first ones built there 30 years or so ago. It was a little on the shabby
side physically. The wallpaper was scuffed, as was the carpet. Unlike some more
modern hotel designs, there were some dark spots in the lobby. The meeting rooms
were well used, maybe even abused.
But I found the staff of the hotel to be the friendliest folk I have run onto
in many years of staying in hotels. They were very helpful when I needed
something. When I was riding or waiting for an elevator a staff member would
ask: "Are you enjoying your stay in our area?" Then they would suggest
a favorite attraction or ride that I should try. (Unfortunately there was no
time) They always made it a point to speak to guests in a friendly way. They had
enthusiasm about their property and location. They complimented my clothes. It's
been a long time since that had happened.
They always asked if there was another way that they could be helpful.
"We are here to serve you" was their attitude.
Now, had these people been trained in these conversations? I'm sure they
were. But you can't fake enthusiasm and passion easily. Their friendly demeanor
made up for the physical shortcomings. They constantly found a way to make the
experience enjoyable.
I have often had the same feelings in a church building. I get to see a whole
lot of them in a given year. Some are new and gleaming. Others are a little
tired looking. What stands out is not only the physical condition of the
property but also the friendliness quotient of the people there.
If it came down to a choice, I would rather have a shabby building with
friendly people than a new building with indifferent people.
How are your people?
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From the "Church Champions Update," a weekly e-mail
newsletter edited by Dave Travis. February 11, 2000, edition. Used by
permission. You may visit the Church Champions web site at www.churchchamp.org.
© 2000 Leadership Network. Used by
permission. Permission to reproduce for local church use only is granted,
as long as this copyright notice is included. Provided by New Life Ministries,
6404 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46807,
through its web site at www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org
_______________________________
See also:
How Welcoming Is Your Church?
- a self-evaluation tool
