We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.
- Anaïs Nin

Have you ever arrived at closing time at the post office and been told, “Sorry we’re closed, you’ll have to come back tomorrow and the door shut?” I have.

Have you ever stood in line, observing the interactions at the counter and hope you will get the one right clerk, but instead when your turn comes you get the clerk who had just encountered a frustrated and grumpy customer? I have.

Today, my friend Marie Dudek of Creating Today sent her daily quote that once again prompted me to share my recent extraordinary customer service at my local Post Office.

I know . . . most people grumble and complain about the long lines and cranky government workers at the post office. You can see it on our faces just standing in line. We are primed for lousy service.

Lately I have had to send a lot of material through the mail. Let me preface, I have been frequenting this office for more than three years since I started my business, but something changed.

My new postal service experience began in late December. I had a few Christmas Cards returned for postage due. While I was annoyed and inconvenienced, I wanted to know how I could prevent that from happening in the future.

I arrived at the Post Office right at closing time. A postal employee I had not seen before was attending to the door. Instead of turning me away, she offered to answer my question. That was my first surprise. I thought it must be holiday cheer and good will, since we were just two days away.

However, on my next trip in early January, I had some books and materials to mail. This time I made it right before closing. My shipping issues were much more complicated and I had many questions.

The clerk behind the counter was good-natured and more than helpful. She stayed 20 minutes past closing, helped save me money, and solved my shipping situation. During the transaction, there was the same employee at the door getting materials for the clerk to help me and then to let me out. I was the last customer of the day.

I asked their names, Desirae and Diana, and I joked that I should blog some day about such wonderful service. They smiled.

On trip number three, I made it before closing. I had an extremely time-sensitive package to send. The line was long and when I got to the counter with another clerk, Diana was next to her and over heard our conversation.

They both guided me with what I needed and gave me paperwork to fill out. I went to the side counter, completed my forms, and got back in line. Diana noticed and signaled me back to the counter and then announced, “We do not make customers stand in line twice for the same service.” Ironically, Desirae was once again at the door smiling, it was getting close to closing time.

Last night, I arrived after closing intending to ship my packages using the automated machine in the outer lobby. There was Desirae, mopping the floor and she greeted me. She asked how I was doing, we chatted briefly, and sure enough, I had a question.

There was no option for media mail using the automated machine. It was going to cost me almost twice as much parcel post, than priority mail. I did not have the mailers and the interior lobby was closed. Desirae offered to get me a supply to take with me and complete my transaction.

I informed her that I was for sure going to write that blog post because this kind of service is extraordinary and people need to know about it. However, my message is not just about the extraordinary service and these helpful postal employees. It is about the quote the Marie sent me today as well.

I have a philosophy about customer service. If you want extraordinary customer service, be an extraordinary customer. In most cases, the person behind the counter or answering the phone wants to do a good job and help you.

It all begins with the attitude you hold walking into the situation. Acknowledging those who provide extraordinary customer service paves the way for more extraordinary service for you and others.

In the ordinary routine days of our life, it is important to acknowledge the good and out of the ordinary. It takes no more time to write a letter of praise than a complaint. So today, besides this post, I am sending a letter to our local Postmaster to acknowledge her employees.

I invite you to pick up the phone, write a letter, or post a blog today about some kind of extraordinary support or service you have received. It will help make our world a more pleasant and humane place to work and play.