Greed is finally dead. It’s all about the service now.

Here in the Kansas City area there’s a local BBQ chain. It was started many years ago and has made its owners, the Gates family, not only wealthy but prominent citizens in the community. The second you cross the threshold of their establishments no matter which of their several they have opened over the years, you are taken aback by a enthusiastic voice at the counter asking you, “May I help you!” very loudly. More of a statement of fact than a question. It’s one of the business’ trademarks. Everyone who has ever darkened their door knows the phrase. It has become an institution of sorts here in the area.

Notice that the phrase was not “How may I help you?” or “Can I help you?” or “Would you like me to help you?” No it’s a statement of I’m going to help you because that’s my job and I’m proud of it. The phrase tells the customer in no uncertain terms that his/her experience at their restaurant is going to involve service, plain and simple. It let’s the customer know that service is to be expected, a right if I may. Not just mediocre service but enthusiastic service.

Over the years we as business owners and employees have lost our “May I help you!” attitude. We have become a nation of “Don’t bother me, can’t you see I’m working?” types. We’ve forgotten that it’s the customer who makes our house and car payment. That sends our kids to college and clothes our backs. We’ve lost the attitude of service that has for so many years driven our economy to great heights.

Why? Why, when it has worked so well for so long did we become so wrapped up in our own interests? Why have we (that’s the collective “we” there are many, many people out there practicing the art of service and reaping its benefits) as a society turned to greed over the past couple of decades? Look at Mr. Madoff. Where did his greed get him? How much more successful and free would he have been had he practiced true service to his clients.

Some would like to blame it on the decline in church attendance, the declining morals, TV, rock music and sex. Maybe there is some truth to this but I think it goes a lot deeper. Its called the Limbic system and it is at the core of our brain. It’s the fight or flight mechanism that protected us during our prehistoric period. We still have it today. Its natural, when we are threatened the adrenaline kicks in and we go into survival mode no matter who we have to walk over. Just because its natural doesn’t mean that its right, however.

Morality, religion and what our parents taught us aside, service is just good common sense. Until the decade of greed, the 80’s, service worked. McDonald’s built their empire on it as did many, many other businesses that are thriving today. Look around you. Those in trouble are the ones that cut the corners, leveraged their profits at the cost of their product or service, or skimmed the cream from the top.

Case in point. Car sales plummeted and GM and Chrysler went running to the government. What did Hyundai do? They offered a program to help the customer. If you were to lose your job within a year of buying a Hyundai they would make up to three payments for you. If your situation didn’t improve after that they will take the car back and not hurt your credit. Service? At it’s finest. Now Ford is offering the same type of service. Ford has caught the vision and they’ll prosper for it if they keep it up.

So how can you become more service minded. Start with a smile. Not just on your face but in your voice. Greet everyone you meet as a potential client or customer. Treat them with respect and dignity, take the time to see to their needs. Don’t look at them as a means to profit but as a new and lasting relationship. Think of them as friends. Use the golden rule liberally. Above all be polite and courteous. Start right now and see how it changes your outlook. Remember greed is dead, it’s all about service. Its all about service to customer, service to neighbor, service to community, and service to country. May I help you!