Sunday, April 8, 2018

Compliments Always Help

(Courtesy: Yahoo. File Photo)
 
A few weeks ago I was traveling from Oakland, California, to Seattle, Washington. The travel time is one hour and 34 minutes. I was in the economy class.
 
After ascending the desired altitude, they started to serve drinks. In the economy class you have to pay for the alcoholic drinks. Soft drinks are free.
 
When the stewardess asked me what I want, I asked for 2 scotch with water. I then gave my credit card. While giving the credit card to her I casually mentioned how nice of this airline to offer beverages to passengers when the flying time is only one hour and 34 minutes.
 
When she heard my compliment, the stewardess smiled and thanked me. She returned the credit card without charging and said the drinks are on the airline.
 
My lucky day.
 
(Side bar: American pilots take too long to turn off the seat belt sign even after reaching the desired altitude. The stewardesses do a great job of taking care of more than 125 passengers within an hour.)
 
I was narrating this incident to my son and daughter. My daughter said “Appa, you are a smooth operator”. My son said “Appa, you a hustler”.

28 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks for your comments Jaish. Yes, I was happy.

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  2. You are indeed a "Smooth Operator!"
    Time to play the famous song by Sade.

    Did you by any chance fly United Airlines?
    I could've used your help and smooth skills on my flight.

    Regards,
    David Dao
    (that's Doctor Dao to you!)

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    1. Thanks for your comments David. You got your 15 minutes of fame and lot of money. You are still a doctor? You were arrested and disbarred for having sex with a male patient for drugs.

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  3. Your children's judgement might be right! Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks for your comments Sandhya. I was happy.

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  4. A genuine compliment without any motive has been graciously reciprocated by the stewardess proud of her airline.There is a lesson in this to me to be generous in praise and very frugal in criticism.Thanks.

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    1. Thanks for your comments Mr. KP. She was really pleased to hear me say that.

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  5. Question for you SG...what do you think would be her limit of offering free drinks if everyone complimented the airline??

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    1. Thanks for your comments Dee. In that case, she would switch over to give free drinks to those who criticize her.

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  6. Compliments (especially in situations people take for granted) are rare, and therefore, fetch rewards.

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    1. Thanks for your comments Pradeep. I never expected she would offer me free drinks.

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  7. If your compliment is genuine and it makes the other person feel good about themselves or their work, they will certainly go the extra mile for you. You must have had the same effect on the stewardess :))

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    1. Thanks for your comments Shilpa. Yes, indeed.

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  8. For the A to Z series I have been writing the posts on the same day . So missed out on G as it was a Saturday :(

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  9. Compliments do always help, and more than that acknowledging other people’s work with sincerity, like you did. It definitely makes your and somebody else’s day worthy. I have noticed some people here are always loaded with compliments. And some of them are extremely witty, leaving a hearty laugh or smile on your face. :)

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    1. Thanks for your comments Shesha. I just made a comment without expecting anything. But I was rewarded. I am an extrovert. I talk.

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    2. I remember GK’s friends used to tell me about similar things happening to him whenever he used to go out with them. He has always been generous with compliments acknowledging other people’s hardwork. Its a good thing respecting other people and their work. Being extrovert has its own charm, you can express so much and make infinte friends :)

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    3. Thanks for your comments Shesha. You are lucky to have a husband like GK. However, I think he is lucky to have you as his spouse. Both are lucky.

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  10. Such customer service, especially when unexpected, goes a long way in promoting a brand. This airline knows how to get word of mouth publicity!

    Had this happened in India, the air hostess would've been made to pay that amount as a 'punishment'. But I too must try this smooth hustling method sometimes :)

    Destination Infinity

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    1. Thanks for your comments Rajesh. Air hostess in USA has lot of authority and leverage once the plane takes off.

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  11. your sun and daughter are so right S...

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  12. Wow! Such thoughtful compliment and sweet reward! I remember one quote, 'Life is tough, make it light spreading love.' I think, some day I will apply this in blogging.

    I like your kids' compliments. Kids know their parent better 🙂

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    1. Thanks for your comments Sindhu. Excellent quote.

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  13. You do know how to get free drinks, SG :P :))

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