Your Name Has Power

Chick-fil-A … Iced tea… and an unexpected reminder.

A couple weeks back I swang by the Chick-fil-A drive thru for an unsweetened iced tea and some nuggets, as I headed on my way toward home. In true Chick-fil-A fashion my order taker, Juan, asked for my name as he finished punching my order in on his iPad.

I responded to his question by saying “Bradie.” Still in the moment and engaged, Juan looked me in the eyes and immediately commented, “O, Bradie - I like that name!”

But what happened next, was a little bit different and unexpected…

Juan followed up and asked another simple but impactful question:
“Do you spell that with a Y or an IE?”

Having been asked for my name numerous times at a restaurant, coffee shop, event or otherwise - in this specific instance Juan made it feel different with his follow up, attention to detail and genuine tone. It was really the first time in this type of setting that I could recall anyone asking for clarification on the spelling of my name.

It never offends me or makes me think twice when someone spells my name incorrectly, but the fact that Juan looked me in the eyes and asked a simple follow up question to clarify, made me feel seen, heard and valued as a customer and brought a little smile to my face as I drove away that afternoon. It was a reminder to me that with a few small or simple words, along with a curious & authentic tone, we have the power to connect with others and impact their day for the better.

It may be your client, community member, a family friend or a stranger at the grocery store, but like Juan, we can all seize the opportunity to genuinely relate with and connect with those around us!

We might just bring a smile to their face and make their day.

-Bradie