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The superpower I do not want

The Super Power I Really Don't Want

| Laurie Brown |

When I was a kid, my best friend Eileen and I spent hours discussing what superpower we wanted. Eileen wanted to be able to fly so she could soar over the rooftops and see our neighborhood below her. I wanted to be invisible. I thought the superpower of invisibility would allow me to sneak into the dining room when my parents and aunts and uncles would stay up late telling (mostly dirty) jokes. Then I could listen without any adult being the wiser.

Sad to say, Eileen never did get her superpower, but, not to brag, I did.

Yes, I do have the superpower of invisibility, and to be honest, it is a superpower I wish I didn't have. Now I can walk into stores and be totally invisible. No one acknowledges me, and in fact, I can roam around some stores for hours, and no one can see me at all.

I know that this superpower is not mine alone. Too many of us walk into businesses without anyone saying "hi, "welcome," or "how can I help you?"

Actually, this is a bigger problem for these businesses than it is for me. I have choices, usually a lot of them, and I often exercise these choices—as I imagine you do.

Invisibility isn't a problem only at retail stores. I have been invisible at doctor's offices, libraries, and dealership service departments among many other places.

If you want to make a huge difference for the success of your business, make sure that none of your customers have the power of invisibility.

What can you do? Be sure that each and every employee acknowledges each and every customer within seconds of being in their presence. Even if they are busy with another customer, or on the computer completing a work task, they just need to say "hi" or "welcome, give me a minute and I will get right to you.", and if they are on the phone, a simple nod or raising of a hand that signals "I see you, but please give me a minute" will let your customers know that they are not invisible.

Remember, only YOU can prevent invisibility!