A little story from work yesterday.
I recieved an email that pointed out yet another problem in our new software. I replied, “Oh, that’s a new one. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. I’m sure that so-and-so whom you cc’d in will send it on to the IT guys.”
A reply was shot right back to me. “Do I get a prize?”
Now, I could take that one of two ways. A) snarky, asshole reply because yes, the stuff is buggy and it’s a pain in the hole. B) Goofing around being silly just because.
I chose B, because my day had not been an absolute nightmare yesterday. My reply: “Sure! I can draw you a picture, what would you like?”
Another very short response: “An elephant dancing on the moon.”
Oh yeah, I can do that! Last night I did, after Oirish Tirsday was at its end.
Yes, it’s terrible! It’s meant to be. It’s for FUN! My watermark was ‘A Special Prize for ___ from ___!
And today, it was fun. I sent it off about 9:30am and got an iPhone photo back of my drawing, printed in colour and tacked to the wall of her cubicle next to her wedding photo.
Aww! So, so worth it. Not only because I enjoyed making it (I smiled the whole time). I enjoyed sending it and waiting for a response, and I’m hopeful that I’ve probably taken one more person off the list of people who Complain Officially first instead of acting like a human. Score!
Because starting Monday, guess who is managing Official Complaints? I’m also hopeful a manager title goes with it…
