Let me state for the record I am not the manager of the store. I wouldn't mind it - this is the easiest job I have ever had. Eventhough it is retail, it is the easiest industry I have ever worked in. After dealing with doctors, attorneys, pharmaceutical firms, and the various federal agencies that regulate access to medical treatments, pouring coffee is a piece of cake!
At first I was quite flattered that people would automatically expect me to be the manager. But then it dawned on me - I'm older than everyone in the store, I am white, and I am male. "An older, white male must be the manager". Hmmmm......
Several customers talked to me about the management and customer service of the store, and some of the comments were not exactly complimentary of the current team. When I explained I was not the manager, they were a bit disappointed. I did, however, direct the customers to the comment cards and the toll-free customer service number if they had a complaint or comment. Apparently no one in the store had ever directed them to the feedback tools.
For the record, most of our regular customers are professionals. Our store is located in a residential/business high-rise with lots of City attorney offices, union offices, and medical offices in the building.
The customers' comments about management made me wonder, "Just how deeply rooted are stereotypes in people's perceptions about who can lead?"
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