Jennifer, a manager at a local Lidl store, had the task of hiring someone to fill a job opening. After sorting through a stack of resumes she found four people who were equally qualified. Jennifer

Jennifer, a manager at a local Lidl store, had the task of hiring someone to fill a job opening. After sorting through a stack of resumes, she found four people who were equally qualified. Jennifer decided that the best way to choose between them would be to give them a little test.

She called them all into her office, one by one, and gave each of them the same question: "Imagine you're working in the store, and suddenly, a customer comes up and asks for help. What would you do?"

The first candidate, Steve, a middle-aged man with a slight graying beard, thought for a moment and said, "Well, I’d smile, greet the customer politely, and ask them what they need. Then, I’d find the product they’re looking for, make sure they’re happy, and offer them something on sale."

Jennifer nodded approvingly. "Good answer, Steve. Very customer-oriented."

Next, Lisa, a young woman with a friendly demeanor, sat down. "I’d greet the customer warmly, and before they even ask, I’d point them to the product aisle they need. While I’m at it, I’d throw in a suggestion for some related items they might like."

Jennifer smiled. "Great approach, Lisa. Proactive and helpful."

Then came Barry, a retired teacher who seemed a bit nervous but confident. "I’d walk over to the customer, introduce myself, and ask them what they were looking for. But I’d also make sure to engage in a little conversation. Ask them how their day is going, maybe even recommend some great deals in the store. A friendly chat can brighten anyone’s day."

Jennifer was impressed. "Very thoughtful, Barry. You’re making the shopping experience memorable!"

Finally, there was Mark, who looked a little different. He had a disheveled appearance, like he’d just rolled out of bed, but Jennifer figured it wouldn’t hurt to hear him out.

Mark sat down, scratched his head, and said, "Well, I’d take the customer to the products they need… and if I didn’t know where it was, I’d pretend I did, lead them around the store in circles until they got frustrated, and then hand them over to Steve, Lisa, or Barry."

Jennifer blinked in surprise. "Wait... What?"

Mark shrugged. "Hey, it’s teamwork, right? Let someone else do the heavy lifting, and you can just coast through!"

There was a long pause as Jennifer processed his response. Finally, she said, "Well, Mark, while your answer certainly was... unique... I’m afraid we’re looking for someone a bit more... proactive."

Mark smiled and shrugged. "It’s all about the art of delegation, Jennifer!"

As Jennifer dismissed Mark, she chuckled to herself. Maybe Mark was right—sometimes you’ve got to let someone else do the work for you. But she had a feeling that wouldn’t fly in the customer service world, especially at Lidl!

And in the end, she hired Barry. Because, as she’d learned, a little friendly conversation could go a long way—especially when you're stuck in the frozen food aisle for ten minutes trying to find the last bag of peas.