Serve the server... treat with dignity those whose employment makes our lives better.

The danger of feeling a bit smug here is great... I have a local independeNt coffee shop where I already chat to the staff whenever I go in.  I have built up a rapport with the lollipop man on my route to church.  Having spent a substantial part of my life in the north of England, I always say hello and goodbye to shop staff.

Today I will be at the Coffee Club - we have worked to build genuine relationship with the pub staff, and have always given tips when we stay on for lunch... recently an embarrassed young waiter said that they were no longer allowed to accept tips, so we can't do the 'generous tip' thing.

So it's a challenging challenge for different reasons!  See what you make of it...

People who serve us are everywhere – shop assistants, waiters, baristas, maintenance people – but what happens when we offer something back? This is about turning the tables in a nice way and being generous to those that usually put us first.

FIRST STEPS:

Treat the person who serves you with dignity and courtesy. Make eye contact. Ask their name. Show genuine gratitude. Smile! Friendly customers can brighten up a day on the job.

GO FURTHER:

Strike up a conversation with your local park-keeper, ticket inspector, road sweeper, dinner lady, waiter or lollipop man. Tell them why you appreciate them. Be interested.

OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE:

Leave an extravagant tip, tweet an encouragement about great service or write a complimentary letter to their Head Office/line manager. Want to get creative? Use Charlie’s blog as inspiration, and let your server choose your meal for you today.