17 $/hr for Being Pleasant? - The Price of Politeness in Today's World

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“Good Morning, Sir. How may I assist you today?”  

“May I place your call on hold, Madam?”  

“Sir, thank you for being patient and waiting on the line. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.”  

“It was my pleasure, Madam. I hope you enjoy your order and have a great day forth.” 

              _________________________


Conversations like these are part of our daily lives. From promotional calls to banking calls, charity calls, and advertisement calls, our phones constantly buzz with interactions. Thousands of customer support executives work tirelessly every day, making hundreds of calls, addressing customer needs, resolving issues, and promoting products—all while maintaining a pleasant demeanor.  

Sounding polite, pleasant, and positive isn’t just part of their job; it’s a requirement. But have you ever wondered if they carry the same attitude outside of work? Are they genuinely pleasant, or is it just an act necessitated by their job?  

After all, we’re talking about ordinary people here, like you and me. The world hasn’t yet produced clones of Mother Teresa. Sadly, being nice to fellow humans often comes with a price tag these days.  

A Story of Politeness 

Here’s a true story that brings this to light.  

A successful entrepreneur, the owner of a global chain of restaurants, decided to visit one of his outlets as a regular diner. He arrived without a reservation, but despite his polite requests and sincere wish to dine there, he was denied entry and shown the door. Disheartened, he left without a word.  

Curious and concerned, he decided to visit several of his restaurants worldwide, only to face similar disappointing treatment each time. Receptionists at every location seemed to lack warmth and empathy.  

Finally, he arrived at the last restaurant on his list. When the receptionist asked if he had a reservation, the entrepreneur explained his long-held wish to dine there, fully expecting another rejection. But to his surprise, the receptionist smiled and said:  

“Sir, guests like you deserve a special table at our restaurant. We would be honored to host you today. Kindly give me a few minutes to check the availability.”  

For the first time, the entrepreneur felt genuinely welcomed at one of his own establishments. He dined with a full heart, deeply impressed by the receptionist’s politeness, hospitality, and overall attitude.  

A few weeks later, the receptionist received a letter from the CEO. It was a note of gratitude for his exceptional hospitality and an offer to become the Zonal Manager—a reward for his exemplary demeanor.  

The Power of Being Pleasant


This story illustrates the profound impact of a positive attitude. For someone with a naturally pleasant demeanor, kindness and politeness come effortlessly. Unfortunately, in today’s world, such qualities are often misjudged. Being genuinely nice can make you seem naïve or overly friendly, a perceived weakness in a society filled with deceit, jealousy, and a lack of empathy.  

But here’s the truth: people who communicate pleasantly are not only the happiest—they are also the most impactful. They radiate positivity, uplift others, and create ripples of goodwill. Any message delivered with kindness has a greater chance of being received well, regardless of the situation.  

Why It Matters?

A pleasant person is affable, empathetic, and a better listener. They find joy in small things, inspiring others to do the same. Their energy is contagious, and their presence makes the world a better place.  

Developing such a demeanor requires sincere effort and a positive mindset. Pretending to be nice will never work—genuine kindness is the only way to create meaningful connections.  


A smile, a polite word, or a small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. These small gestures might seem insignificant, but they hold the power to make someone feel valued and respected.  

As Charles Buxton beautifully put it:  

"You have not fulfilled every duty unless you have fulfilled that of being pleasant."  

In a world that can sometimes feel cold, being pleasant is a true act of strength. A kind word costs nothing but can mean everything.  

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Image Credits : https://www.freepik.com



Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2025 at 7:47 PM

    Very true.. one should be strong enough to be gentle and kind...

    ReplyDelete

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