Ryan’s weekly tip for homeless, mentally ill and addicted patrons – Or any patrons
In 1980, the Walmart store in Crowley, Louisiana, was experiencing significant shoplifting. They tried adding a greeter at the front door (the now ubiquitous “Walmart Greeter”). This immediately had its intended effect, and shoplifting went down.
It also had a pleasant, unintended consequence: the paying customers liked it.
Walmart had accidentally stumbled on something amazing: When you greet people as they arrive, everyone hears what you need them to hear, even if you don’t know what you need them to hear!
In Walmart’s case, two types of people come into their stores: customers and shoplifters. Unfortunately, Walmart doesn’t know which person is which type.
When they greet everyone, though, here’s what happens:
The customers hear, “Walmart likes you. Please spend lots of money.”
The would-be shoplifters hear, “I see you. The other staff see you. Don’t take our stuff without paying.”
You can try the same thing. Greet people who come into your building, and here’s what will happen:
The individuals who aren’t there to do something bad will hear, “We’re glad you are here” (which gets you “pennies in the cup”).
The individuals who want to shoot up in your bathroom will hear, “Hey, we watch everything, so don’t try to shoot up in our bathroom.”
How do you do it? Just like Walmart! Make eye contact and say “good morning” or “good afternoon” to everyone.
Don’t believe me? Try it for a week and see if you don’t have fewer problems.