A Grower Perspective

Yes Ma’am, No Sir, How may I help you Ma’am? These are all niceties in everyday life that make our lives more pleasant and comfortable. Josh (my ‘Boss’ here at Pleasant Hill Nursery) was raised in Kentucky to address others in this lovely southern style. Being from the Pacific Northwest I wasn’t used to this ‘formal’ way of speaking and often thought of it as a little off putting, a tiny bit sarcastic. It’s not, nor is the intention any of that. It is this kind of polite training that enables us to continue our work with others in a kind and hospitable way even if we don’t always feel like it or want to say something else. If it is automatic for us to speak and behave kindly and with consideration it will always be our fallback position when we are in a difficult situation.

Working with the public and each other at our jobs, this bit of formality in all situations is a good beginning. We know how to be casual and that can come after we are more comfortable with the conversation and with those whom we are conversing. A simple ‘Hello’, ‘How are you?’, ‘What can we do for you today?’ puts people at ease and gives them a starting point from which to voice their wants and concerns. It’s so much easier to go into a restaurant or store when one is greeted in a friendly way, as an invitation to come in a stay a while. It’s great for business too. Many people have made it a priority to do business only with friendly, kind, helpful and cheerful folks. Why not if you have the choice?

Hopefully this seems obvious to most of you reading this, yet if that is the case, why is it often surprising when we are greeted in a polite, friendly way? I think this is because it happens less frequently than we think. Keep tabs for a week or two on how you interact with your family, your work mates and the general public. I know it would be difficult for me to say Ma’am and Sir but I do know how to be polite and make others feel good. I too must remember that this is important and life will be easier and more fun by doing it.