Change the World: Sensitivity
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Still here in Joliett; I must say, the weather has been cooperating nicely since the wild stuff I encountered on Monday. Blue skies, mild temperatures; it’s almost like the weather is apologizing for scaring me.
My co-workers and I were eating dinner at a local restaurant, basically just shooting the breeze and swapping tales, when I heard a great one that just stood out in my mind.
A young man and his girlfriend were out for a special dinner at an expensive restaurant. The waiter, a young man himself, arrives with the wine list. Without even looking at it, his girlfriend blurts out (completely seriously), “I’d like a bottle of Chateaubriand.”
(Just on the off chance you didn’t know this already, chateaubriand is actually a recipe for grilled tenderloin of beef, not a wine.)
Now, the young man, and obviously the waiter, knew this was a silly thing to do. So the question was, what’s the best way to react? Should the young man correct her? (Sound of buzzer.) Oh, sorry, that is incorrect (but thanks for playing, and here’s a lovely parting gift!) No, all that would accomplish is to embarrass her, and pretty much ruin the rest of their evening.
So what about the waiter? HE could correct her; after all, if anybody was an expert on wine, he was. (Sound of buzzer.) Oh, sorry, that too is incorrect! This would likely lead to embarassment as well, and this time (even worse) it’s from a total stranger to whom you will soon be giving money for what will probably turn out to be a ruined meal.
No, what actually happened is the waiter responded with “Very good, ma’am. I’ll bring it right out.” And then left them with their menus. After a few minutes, he came back and said, “I’m sorry, but we’re all out of chateaubriand. May I suggest a nice Chianti instead?”
Needless to say, honor was upheld, and the evening was saved.
But my, oh, my; talk about your sensitivity! I’ve just gotta admire that young waiter for handling the situation perfectly. I mean, here was someone who knew how to manage a possibly sticky situation without making a scene, or embarassing the young woman in front of her date. Nice going!
What a great talent to cultivate, don’t you think?
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6 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Sensitivity is not my first language, but worth the effort.
Great word “cultivate”- lets us know even at 50+– growth is possible.
That was so smooth I almost slipped out of my chair reading it!
That is a great story on sensitivity! Very cute, too, ‘chateaubriand’ - makes me wonder how old the couple were. I could see being in her shoes - saying mir-lot (rhymes with SPOT) instead of mir-LOW (rhymes with SLOW).
I’m afraid I would have mistaken her request as a joke, and busted out laughing. (Sound of buzzer)
I think we need more of this in EVERY service industry - not just waiters, etc. IT, Government departments, you name it… Just that sensibility that respects other people and doesn’t take the easy, obvious, and well-cultivated road these days of finding the joke in everything. People deserve respect, independent of what comes out of their mouths SOMETIMES…
(yes, that’s a big catch-all sometimes on purpose!).
Mike: Thanks - I think cultivate is the right word. It describes how we learn it. In fact, I wonder where this waiter learned it from? Home, perhaps?
Mike: Smooth is my middle name! Well, actually it’s - eh, never mind
Mrs. Q: Yeah, I know what you mean; it’s like saying “gore-met” for “gormet”… Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for adding to the conversation!
Sterling: I’m afraid I’d be right there with ya!
themolk: I have to agree with ya, my friend. Tact seems to be in short supply these days, though. Alas, and darn :-\