Tokyo, Japan - You notice the difference right away. They're polite, energetic, always smiling and grateful (it appears) for the opportunity to serve. I'm talking about the people in Japan. It is truly sad to compare the attitudes to those of most workers at home in the States. The attitudes of most retail people at home are determined by how convenient or inconvenient a customer makes things for them or worse yet, how much benefit the customer will bring to them personally.

For example, my niece would complain when a customer wouldn't tip at least twenty percent. In Japan, you don't tip. My understanding is that they would consider that rude. And when it rains in the United States, service people tend to hide in their cozy offices while the Japanese see us coming and run out to meet us with umbrellas.

When we checked into the hotel, the desk receptionist personally escorted us to our room and provided us an overview of the room, the services and the hours of operation. I've never had that experience at even the best hotels back home. Additionally, one of our team members left a piece of luggage on the train. Upon informing the hotel, Mr. Yugi Tanaka (Executive Assistant Manager - Four Seasons Marunouchi) arranged to have the luggage picked up at the next station. Now that's customer service!

Don?t get me wrong. This is not a negative commentary on the United States. I love my country and I would never choose to live anywhere else. But we could certainly use some lessons in customer service from our ally across the Pacific. They all appear to be dedicated to service for service sake. Who they are seems to be an extention of the service they provide.

Not doing the best possible job would be considered a lack of character. In fact, according to Mr. Hisanori Kato (Assistant Manager, Sales Training Department, Volkswagen Japan), the dealerships do well in customer service because they consider it a responsibility.

Consider what a blessing it is to serve others. All of the good things you have in life come to you because of your service. The better service you give, the more people will come, and the more you will be appreciated, respected and rewarded in life.