How Can You Make a Difference After Receiving Great Service?

We’ve all been there. That moment when someone’s service just clicks. They go that extra mile, making your day a little brighter, a problem a little easier to solve.

Maybe it’s a server who seems to know what you need before you even ask, a tech whiz who patiently walks you through a tricky fix, or, like what happened to me, a couple of plumbers who wrestled a seriously stubborn blocked pipe into submission with smiles on their faces.

It’s easy to feel grateful in those moments, but how often do we actually do something to show it in a way that really makes a difference?

That’s where the simple act of “telling the boss” comes into play. It’s a small thing that can create a surprisingly big wave of good vibes.

Why Even Bother?

• Shining a Light on Excellence: Let’s face it, every company deals with complaints. But amazing companies? They actively look for and celebrate the people who are knocking it out of the park. By making sure management knows about a great experience, you’re highlighting the folks who aren’t just doing their job, they’re crushing it.
• A Morale Boost: Imagine knowing that your hard work isn’t just going unnoticed. That feeling of being appreciated can give a real lift to an employee’s spirit. It says, “Hey, what you’re doing matters, keep it up!”
• Potential Perks (and Who Doesn’t Love Those?): Your feedback can actually translate into something tangible for the employee. In my case, those plumbers got bonuses because I sang their praises.
• Seriously Easy Good Karma: It’s a ridiculously simple way to make someone’s day better, just because they made yours better. A quick call or email? Boom. Done.

Nailing the Delivery

• Get Specific, People!: Don’t just say “they were awesome.” Dig into what specifically made them awesome. Did they solve a problem super fast? Were they extra patient and friendly? Specific details make your feedback pack a punch. Something like, “I was really impressed with how Nina took the time to explain that new software. She didn’t rush me at all, and made sure I actually understood what was going on.”
• Authenticity is Key: Make sure your praise is the real deal, reflecting your genuine experience.
• Highlight the Impact: Explain how the employee’s actions positively impacted you or the situation. “Tanishq’s quick thinking completely averted a potential disaster, saving us a ton of money in the process.”

A Little Heads-Up

• Keep Quiet About Unearned Freebies: If you scored a discount or freebie that wasn’t really deserved, it’s best to keep that to yourself. Bringing it up could actually cause problems for the employee, and that’s the opposite of what we’re going for. Focus on the quality of the service itself.

A Story That Stuck With Me

I remember being in a coffee shop a while back, and the barista, even though they were swamped, took the time to remember my complicated order and ask how my day was going.

It was a small thing, but it made me feel seen and valued. I later wrote a quick email to the coffee shop’s owner, mentioning the barista’s name and how their friendly demeanor made my morning. A few weeks later, I saw that same barista had been promoted to shift lead.

Now, I’m not saying my email was the reason, but I like to think it played a small part in recognizing their potential.

So, the next time someone provides you with truly exceptional service, take a few minutes to let their boss know. You never know the positive impact your words might have. You could brighten someone’s day, foster a more positive work environment, and maybe even help someone climb the ladder. And honestly, who doesn’t want to spread a little good in the world?