The Wall Street Journal tells us that 60% of the people on our planet today are of the Baby Boomer generation. We Baby Boomers, yes I am one of them, are well traveled, expect a good work ethic and superior skills, and appreciate mutual respect in all relationships, especially in service! Furthermore, our service expectations are much higher than our parents. We care about the style of environment we are in, where our food is grown, work to keep our mind and body healthy, like our privacy, and yes, we scrutinize our health care. We consider it our right; we have worked hard to get where we are. I have spent 30 years in the world of Private Service, educating and placing our Starkey Certified Household Managers, Personal Assistants, and Butlers in private homes on a world stage. I have learned over and over again that “Service is the Art of Meeting a Specific Expectation”. However, a perspective not often considered is if service is to be successful, it requires both a giver and a receiver. I can work diligently to provide a service to you, but if what I am giving is not what you want, service will not take place.
Here are my tips on how to get what you want in service:
· First on the list is Learn to ask for help. Sometimes we believe we are super human. Maybe it’s because we are self made and have created the most powerful nation in the world. However, we are not super human, and frankly, our quality of life will greatly improve when learn to ask for help!
· Know exactly what you need and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Today’s service providers know they must think outside of the box to customize service to meet unique needs.
· What if you do not know what you want? The number of choices available today has quadrupled from what our parents had to work with. Don’t pass up the opportunity to say to a service provider, “Be my person of possibilities. Let’s talk about what is achievable here!”
· Say thank you, and say it often. Service providers serve people, not companies. The most appreciated response to a deed well done is a simple but heart-felt, thank you! You can also add the occasional $10 spot while you are at it. Service providers are generally not yet appropriately compensated. Remember, Service is first and foremost, a relationship!
Should you have other questions about Service as an Expertise
, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Mary Louise Starkey
Starkey International Institute
First Lady of Service
(303)832-5510
