I experienced bad service at a hotel the other day and pointed it out to the manager. The manager apologized and said my next meal would be on them. That’s it. Problem solved.
This may be much better than most services that put you through bad customer service and do nothing to make you feel better. But, it does surprise me that we think that throwing money at the problem is a solution.
You were treated badly? Sorry about that – your next drink is on me. Problem solved.
Does throwing money at a problem ever help? Does taking your spouse or girlfriend out for an expensive meal ever solve an underlying issue?
Money is a tool. It can help. But, what we’re really looking for is care and attention. If we can’t get that sorted, money only aggravates the problem.
(On a hilarious note, the hotel ended up charging for my next meal anyway and I was too tired to point it out. So much for the communication between the manager and the rest of the hotel)
A Learning a Day 