Confidence is Contagious
Today, I saw a confident person restore order to a deteriorating situation.
I stopped to have breakfast at one of those small, short menu restaurants that never close. I sat at the counter. There were three employees, a server, the cook, and a man working in the back who I assume is the shift manager.
About five minutes after the server took my order, two local police officers came in and proceeded to arrest the server.
Things began to come unglued. The cook was visibly upset. She did not panic, but she was obviously very stressed. The shift manager was doing his best and the customers were understanding and patient.
I was wondering if the cook was going to be able to continue working. For about fifteen minutes no cooking took place in the restaurant.
The shift manager was calling people on his cell phone. I could hear some of what he was saying. He was trying to find a server to come in.
A woman came in wearing the uniform shirt of the restaurant chain. She didn't have to say anything, I knew she was the manager.
The way she carried herself gave off an "I got this" vibe. She did not holler or scold. She spoke directly, confidently to her employees.
She told the shift manager that she had a server coming in, he didn't need to make any calls.
The manager told the cook she (that is, the manager) would serve the tables. The cook went back to work. The manager proceeded to make sure all of the guests had their orders taken and then went about serving tables.
I remember thinking, "I bet the manager training doesn't cover employees being arrested in the middle of the shift".
Everything the manager did reflected calm confidence, Everything she said ensured her employees, and the customers,"We'll get through this." They did.
Confidence is contagious. We need to develop strong mindsets not just for our business, but because, our confidence will help those around us become their best, too.
Recent Comments
27
that's why she's the manager, she knew exactly what to do and did it---a managers job is to react in the same way as the owner---take charge and jump in when no one is there to make the decisions
that's also an example of what can happen when people don't know how to take charge in a crisis and stop in their tracks until someone steps in to take control
Yes. She changed the atmosphere of that restaurant. She did it with quiet confidence. Her approach was telling her employees, everything is not okay, but we are going to make it okay.
Thank you.
Spot on!...what does, J stand for??
I like to know, as handles , here, are too confusing to keep straight. I like to get to know the person, on a first name basis!
Barb
The J is for Joe or Joseph. Had I known what this community was like when I signed up, I would have just signed on as JoeLennon if that username is available.
That is something that I need to learn. Confidence! In my current job, I don't feel confident. I'm not happy and I don't feel passionate. I need to learn how to be confident because just how confidence can be contagious, so can fear and complacency.
Spark...forgot your name...didn't sign...
I grow in confidence, knowing there's something Higher than me, I can Trust! And, I know whatever, He wants me to do, He will make it happen!!!
Let Go and Let God!
Barb
Hi Sam, Thanks for your comment.
You had the confidence to admit your lack of confidence. I know it's a paradox, but that is a great start.
Yes, fear can be contagious also. Confidence begins with understanding your strengths. There are things you do better than anyone around you. You are raising children. You have survived the difficult life of a military spouse. Daily reinforce your strengths.
Know where you are strong, be grateful for your strengths. Think about what you are doing. Your job is not fulfilling, but you are taking action. You are doing something about it. You are not letting life happen to you. You are living. Your coworkers wish they could be starting their own business and making a way out of the quicksand. Of course, you know they can. They just don't.
You have made a bold move. You, your family, even your job are all better off because they have a person of action in their midst.
Absolutely, panic goes nowhere and calming-down will take its hold to assure life moves on as it is supposed to be. I appreciate your keen observation of life reality and sharing what you observed.
James
See more comments
Interesting. It's nice to see control rather than chaos.
Trevor
Yes, it is. Thank you, Trevor.