No, don't worry! I am not leaving Chick Fil-A! Of course, I would love to down the road work full time at a church either as a Children's Pastor, Assistant Pastor or Lead Pastor. Maybe some time real soon? Since October 2015 I have been an employee of Chick Fil-A. I have certainly learned a whole lot! When I walked into the Port Jefferson restaurant's Grand Opening on October 7, 2015, I had no idea what I was walking into. Being in full time ministry and working in a church office, I never had to deal with working with the general public (except my stint at driving a limo full time!). Working at Chick Fil-A has taught me so much about life, dealing with people and dealing with life situations. In this blog, I am going to list the many things I have learned.
1. Hard work pays off - When you give 100% at your job, not only is it a thrill to be noticed it's a great feeling when you see our guests are happy!
2. A soft answer turns away wrath - Just like the bible verse in Proverbs 15:1, when someone is being difficult or complaining to you about being upset that their order is wrong, they could never get angry if you answer nicely. I have learned to smile and try to understand what the problem is.
3. You have to lead by example - I work with young kids. Some are in high school. They need a role model, and they need to see me, the adult working hard. I have to lead by example because I know they are watching me. If I don't, they will be lazy and never know what hard work is.
4. Guests appreciate it when you "go the extra mile!" - Good customer service is showing that you care. Guests want to know you are taking good care of them. When you carry their tray, refresh a beverage, clean up garbage around them or even just share a smile with them or talk to them, it means the world to people. That doesn't happen at McDonalds!
5. Guests want to experience something positive in their lives - Working during the pandemic was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I believe people sat in line at the drive thru for quite some time during that time because they wanted to experience something positive. They wanted to be treated well after having to be quarantined. Even wearing a mask, guests wanted to see a smile even though it was a smile with our eyes.
6. Don't let people get to you! - I always remember that analogy with a duck and water. When you pour water on the back of a duck, the water rolls right off. It's the same thing when guests make rude comments that can be hurtful or insulting. You have to just let it roll right off you and not let it affect you at all. It's a hard lesson to learn but an important one!
7. Chick Fil-A is not a church - I will never forget walking in the dining room past 2 young guys. One of them blurted out some profanity. The other one looked at his friend in sheer horror and said, "You can't curse in this restaurant! It's a holy place!" I laughed to myself, but I knew that comment was innocent and, in all honesty how many people feel. Chick Fil-A was founded in 1967 but a Christian man, Truett Cathy who wanted to implement in his restaurant many Christian principles. Chick Fil-A sells chicken to the general public but although there are some Christians like me who work there, it is certainly NOT a church.
8. You need patience with those who don't speak English - Every single day I have to deal with many Door Dash and Uber drivers who don't speak English, and they also can't read English. Even working at the register or being on headset I also deal with many who either speak broken English or no English at all. It can be difficult to be patient, and you sometimes wish they could speak our native language, but many don't. That's why you need to have patience with them. Trust me when I say it is very hard, but it is necessary especially working in a restaurant.
7. I have experienced serving every walk of life - In my 9 years, I have served every walk of life. From the family who has young children to the World War 2 veteran, I have seen it all. Even being on register, you can have the following walk up to your register...From an older lady to a biker to a young teen boy in a basketball uniform to a Jamaican lady with a thick accent to a Hispanic family where only the kids speak English to a middle school aged girl to a construction worker to a cross-dressing male, I have seen it all. In all honesty, this has given me a burden for people and has changed my outlook on ministry. It's amazing to see how diverse our world really is!
I am still learning and growing, and I will continue to learn and grow as long as I am alive. It doesn't matter if it's at Chick Fil-A, in a church office or working any other job. I enjoy my time at Chick Fil-A and I would recommend to any young ministry or Bible College student one piece of advice. Before you accept any ministry position, you should work at job that deals with the general public. It will give you experience dealing with all types of people, but it will also give you a burden for people. Thank you, Chick Fil-A for giving me and continuing to give me this opportunity!
HAVE A GREATWEEKEND EVERYONE!!
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