Business Services Industry
True tail? Talk about your pet peeves
T+D, March, 2003 by Haidee E. Allerton, Steve Kanten
True Tales From the Workplace A flight attendant for an airline that shall remain unidentified tells the tale of a German shepherd being transported in a pet carrier on a flight and arriving at the airport... dead. Fortunately, there was time to assess the situation as the owners weren't passengers on the flight but were scheduled to pick up the dog later.
Fearing lawsuits and whatnot, a couple of airline employees went to a local shelter, found an alive German shepherd, brought it back to the airport, and were able to present it in the carrier on time to the owners.
"That's not our dog," they said.
"What do you mean?" the employees asked. "Sure it is. Here's the ticket."
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"That can't be our dog," they insisted, looking at the frisky canine. "Our dog's dead. We were bringing him home for burial."
Contributed by Michael Scott
Pet Peeve of the Month
A reader writes to us: It seems as if the phrase no problem has replaced you're welcome.
I go to a restaurant and the waitperson hands me the wine list. I say "thank you," and he or she responds "no problem."
What do they mean? Of course it's not a problem. It's their job to give me the wine list (not to mention that ordering wine makes the total check, and therefore their tips, bigger). I'm being polite when I say, "Thank you." The appropriate response is, "You're welcome"--not "no problem."
It seems to me that "no problem" is a rather sloppy, if not indignant, response. Are they really saying that its not a problem for me to do this for you?" If it is a problem, I didn't know they felt that way. I don't want them to feel put out, so maybe I should just do it myself.
Should I correct these mostly post-adolescent folks? How exactly should I respond? "It's nice to know it's not a problem. Please tell me if it is a problem. Is it usually a problem?" What is the problem?
RELATED ARTICLE: Do You Have a True Tale From the Workplace?
Tell us actual stories that happen at your work, and we'll mention you as a contributor to Working (or grant you anonymity, if you prefer).
Just email Haidee Allerton at working@astd.org or write to me at T D, 1640 King Street Box 1443, Alexandria, VA 22313-2043.
Fame can be yours!--or a place in the Working witness protection program.
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