I have ranted before about how much I despise the phrase, "no problem." I'm hearing it more and more every day, not only from the CSRs I listen to, but while out doing my everyday activities. My first thought when I hear this phrase: "I'm paying you to take care of my needs. It had better not be a problem."

Recently, however, I have had a refreshing experience with a local fast food chain. Chick-Fil-A is known for doing things a little differently: for example, they close on Sundays to give their employees time for church and with their families. I respect a company that can shut the doors one day a week like that: even though I always seem to have a craving for a chicken sandwich on Sunday afternoon. :)

But while going through the drive-thru window, after we placed our order, we said thank you: and the young lady on the other side of the speaker box said "My pleasure." And, even better, she sounded like she meant it. Another young lady said it again when we thanked her for handing us the order at the window. My son and I went in last week for breakfast, and I heard the phrase at least three times. Each time, it sounded like they really meant it: and it sounded so much better than "no problem."

For the most part, I enjoy working in Customer Care: especially when I hear our CSRs actually caring for and about our customers. But the "no problem" trend has got to go.

As I've said before, dump the problem and make it a pleasure.