Lip Service

A while back I wrote about my experience with a guy at Quick Trip (The Art of Art). Let's call him Ted. Ted was an engaging young man who, in the spirit of pleasant communication and well, a quick trip, shared the art of customer service. This morning, it was a bit different. The young man behind the counter (let's call him John) certainly said some things that would be constituted as customer service, or engagement, but it did not ring of authenticity. Again, John's words, were near the same as Ted's, but they were not felt. At least not by me.

When solely lip service is paid (or appears to be), and someone seems to be simply going through the motions, is this worse than no communication at all? Perhaps this sort of communication is the best one can do in accordance with their job, their standards, or their environment.

While words do mean things, the spirit behind them means more. It validates. Or points a finger towards what is behind the words—their inspiration.

What is behind our words:

• Ourselves?
• Others' interests?
• Our perceived best interest for others? 
• Selfishness?
• Career advancement?
• Our wisdom?
• Love?

Relationship plays out in the words we use, I guess. It may simply be a transactional relationship like John's which wouldn't necessarily cause me to come back. Or it can be an authentic engagement which can have a positive experiential impact—creating a desire for more.

Maybe this is a little heavy when all I was doing was getting a Red Bull...