Good Morning Team – The reasons why we go out to eat are as varied as the people. Might be so we don’t have to cook, clean, special occasion, etc. Ever go to a certain restaurant because of a person that works there?
Looking deeper – going out to eat might also satisfy one or more of the Six Fundamental Human Needs.
Certainty – we might choose a place because we’re familiar with the food.
Variety – maybe we’re bored with home cookin.
Significance – the smart waitress will be striving to make us feel important or we feel important when we decide the amount of the tip.
Connection – either just being around people or maybe there’s a staff person we enjoy seeing and speaking with.
Contribution – Spiritual fulfillment comes from Serving Others, tipping well may satisfy this need.
Growth – we learn from every human interaction – what to do or not do.
While the reasons we give for going out to eat may be superficial; it is likely that the event satisfies a deeper need. In our business – people often say they’re starting because they need to make money. Is it just the money? Do people really want to make $3000. per month so they can have 3000 pictures of George Washington for their bathroom wall?? NOT! The real reason is always deeper, what will earning that amount allow the person to BE, DO and Have. Hint: look for the reason to relate to one or more of their 6 human needs.
Remember from Yesterday;
A truly successful waitress knows exactly WHY she’s waitressing. She’ll have nightly, weekly, and monthly dollar goals. She’ll engage customers in conversation by asking them questions like who are they, where are they from, where are they traveling to and WHY. She’ll also ask what kind of food do you like, how do you like it prepared and she’ll LISTEN and then RESPOND by providing just the food and information requested.
In a nutshell, she’ll prosper simply by serving others. And in the process she too will earn multiple degrees in psychology and satisfy one or more of her 6 Fundamental Human Needs – either through the process of working or through what she does with her earnings.
What’s your favorite restaurant and why? Which of your needs are met by eating there?
Live With intention,
Dr Bill