The CEO for Chick-fil-a forces employees to say “my pleasure” to thankful customers in order to sound friendlier, isnt that completely counter productive?

Any workplace has the option of setting workplace behavior service standards. I imagine, @rockfan , at your workplace (whatever your do) there are corporate rules for how to treat customers and situations.

Some of these are probably silly, and others are sensible. I see Chick-fil-a’s choice “my pleasure” as being something that they have done research on – it is a better response than “no problem” and a little more ear-catching than “you’re welcome”.

I think that “no problem” is one of the stupidest, most inappropriate, and insincere responses possible.

Lots of service businesses use scripting to guarantee consistency and establish a culture.
It’s considered a best practice.
Force?
How do get force into the discussion.
That’s like saying cops are forced to wear a uniform.

Agree with above about “ no problem”. Really a stupid expression.

My pleasure seems fine to me. Although, no problem, or you’re welcome is fine too. Some of you’re other options I wouldn’t recommend.

Does it sound artificial to you in a fast food place? Is that the problem? Like $10 an hour people don’t use that vocabulary or something?

Having a few scripted options seems best to me, so the employee can pick one that doesn’t sound forced.

I really like “my pleasure”, especially if it is said genuinely and with a smile.

I don’t think you guys understand the point of my question.

Everytime time I go to Chick-Fil-a and someone says “my pleasure” to me, it sounds absolutely phony to me, because every employee is instructed to say that phrase. So it’s basically a rehearsed tic, not a genuine reply.

But to be fair, “you’re welcome” is also a standard reply

Awww…so that’s why last time I visited she responded with “My pleasure.” : )

I’ve been hearing “my pleasure” a lot at a lot of places. I guess that’s a new thing. I get it that it sounds phony to you. Write the company, let them know.

I find it odd that suddenly all supermarket cashiers started asking “did you find everything ok” about 8 years ago.

Would you be more happy with a joyous “ka-kaw”?

I find it discomforting that every retail store I walk into has a clerk yelling “hello, how are you?” They are usually clear across the store or behind a rack of clothes. So “my pleasure “ doesn’t bother me at all.

@chyna I find that hello thing disconcerting at places like Walgreens where it’s a cashier yelling it out. I think those type of stores read somewhere that part of Walmart’s formula is having greeters at the front drs and decided to “copy” it.

At stores like GAP or Macy’s I find it bothersome when a sales person doesn’t acknowledge my presence. It doesn’t have to be a verbal hello, it can be just a smile if they are with another customer or far away that I wouldn’t hear a hello in a normal voice. The acknowledgement in those type of retailers is not only a customer service thing, but it is to discourage theft.

I figured the greeting was to acknowledge your presence and subconsciously let you know that they can recognize you if needed.

“My pleasure” would be nice if it wasn’t a scripted line. They need to mix it up a bit and not penalize an employee who says something different but heartfelt “You’re welcome” “Enjoy your meal.” “rive carefully in that snow” etc.

I noticed that servers at restaurants here recently started asking: “How is everything tasting?” or “How is your food tasting?” I usually smile and answer “Fine.” But, silently, I wonder how food can taste anything. Are there taste buds hidden in that burger?

I don’t like “my pleasure”, and agree with you. Our local Popeyes tells everyone to ‘have a blessed day’ and while I get it and I am religious, I don’t like employees being forced to say it if they don’t mean it, and they obviously do not haha

^ And when the counter people ask “Do you want cheese on that?” why do the customers answer “Oh You know I do.” ?

@KNOWITALL It never occurred to me that a company would tell it’s employees to say “have a blessed day” if anything I would think companies would tell their employees not to say it if they were dictating what to say. That’s interesting.

@JLeslie We have Chic Fil A and Popeyes, both making a Christian statement I understand. Lines are far too long at Chick Fil A and I’d avoid Popeyes if it wasn’t so dang tasty…lol

I don’t really believe in businesses making political statements, but it is what it is, I suppose.

^^ Just give me my “hot and crispy on the outside all soft and moist inside Popeye’s chicken! I don’t need your blessing! Unless you bless me with a couple of extra pieces for free. And gravy. Hold the mashed potato!”