Weak Man’s Imitation of Strength

The emcee hurriedly ran down the stage and confronted the almost 25 people who were about to pose for a group photo in a highly publicized event. With a high-pitched voice and penetrating eyes, he shouted, “Who told you to get a photo, you’re not allowed here!” The group leader responded, “The official photographer did.” He continued to rant, so the leader signaled his members to withdraw, collectively feeling humiliated.

In the workshop ‘First Class Customer Service’ I attended on October 29, 2012, I learned that one of the four types of customer service is described as “The Factory”. Its characteristics are: (a) Procedural – timely, efficient and uniform; and (b) Personal – insensitive, apathetic and aloof. While that emcee may have been  outstanding in procedure, he showed weakness in character. According to Eric Hoffer, “Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.”

While the Bible tells us of the importance of orderliness, it also teaches that it should be done with civility. “But all things should be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40) To build rapport, one has to make a winning first impression which is lasting. Let us be reminded of the old adage, “You never get a second chance to create a positive first impression.”