Menu
'Thankful' flower orders buck trend toward rudeness
CAMBRIDGE, Neb. – The Harvard Business Review recently published a study by Christine Porath, a professor of management at Georgetown University, claiming that rudeness, disrespect, or insensitive behavior is on the rise. The study states that front-line workers, such as law enforcement, retail, food production, hospitality, and education employees have “become punching bags on whom weary, stressed-out, often irrational customers (and sometimes fellow employees) took out their anxieties and frustrations”. Porath’s survey of 2000 people found:
76% of respondents experience incivility at least once a month.
78% witness incivility at work at least once a month, and 70% witness it at least two to three times a month.
73% report that it’s not unusual for customers to behave badly.
78% believe that bad behavior from customers toward employees is more common than it was five years ago.
66% believe bad behavior from customers toward other customers is more common than it was five years ago.
Fortunately, residents of the Great Plains are known for bucking trends. That has been evidenced by the actions of one anonymous patron of Blooms and Collectibles, a floral and gift shop located at 616 Patterson Street in Cambridge.
Long-time Cambridge resident and owner of Blooms, JoLee Ebbers, picked up the mail last Thursday and in it was an order from a patron. The patron ordered floral arrangements to be delivered anonymously to 20 different businesses around the community.
In a Facebook post, Ebbers wrote, “I am forever grateful to live in such a kind, generous, loyal, and supportive community. And this year we have so many reasons to be especially thankful for the individuals who are part of our community. And, as it turns out, I am not the only one who feels a debt of gratitude to all of you wonderful people.”
The typed letter that was enclosed instructed Ebbers to include a card with the arrangements that read, “To the Cambridge community from a thankful citizen member. THANKFUL for all the community members and volunteers during this past year. Please display this bouquet in a place that all members of the community may enjoy when entering your organization or business.”
Ebbers told the Gazette she and her staff got the arrangements delivered to the businesses last week so that they could be enjoyed before the Thanksgiving holiday. “I think it’s been such a year – we’ve all been so thankful for everyone around us because of the fires – it’s just nice to have something positive come.” She said the recipients were really excited to receive the gift. “I think they were touched by someone’s generosity, too,” Ebbers said.
Ebbers has owned Blooms and Collectibles for 19 years. She was born and raised in Cambridge, and also raised her family in the community.
Professor Porath’s article suggested that there are many reasons for the increase in rude behavior. Increased levels of stress, negative emotions such as anger or frustration, and weakened ties have contributed to the rise. Porath said that another study found that 65 percent of the respondents didn’t feel any sense of community. Porath defines “community” as a group of individuals who share a mutual concern for one another’s welfare.
Another reason cited for the increase in rudeness is technology and specifically social media. Negative content often consumed on social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress.
Rural Nebraska, and Cambridge in particular, is an example of how a community cares for its population. And JoLee Ebbers, through her positive Facebook post, has shown an example of how social media can be used to lift people up rather than tear them down.
The rudeness article can be read here.