I was having coffee in a local coffee shop where they were anticipating a visit from their District Manager that afternoon. This was a scheduled visit, so they knew he was coming, and they knew what his expectations were for their store.

There was a lot of hustle and bustle straightening shelves and the countertops, clearing away the items that were out of place. Someone was washing the fingerprints off the door and another was emptying trash cans and straightening chairs.

I found the activity to be amusing. I am their customer. Really, when it comes down to it, I am the one who pays the rent and their paychecks. Maybe not me personally, but my activity keeps their doors open. Without customers, layoffs happen and cutbacks abound. Even though the coffee shop was full of paying patrons, we were not being given this special treatment. Even though it was during regular operating hours, when you expect customers to be arriving, the coffee shop was not anxious about extending the customers the same treatment that the DM would be receiving.

What behaviors show up when you know the “Boss” is coming in? Are you more aware of the way things look when you know an inspection is coming? Do you realize that even though they don’t offer you a report or reprimand, your customers are inspecting you, too? Do you give your customers the same treatment that you extend to your DM? What if you are the boss? Who holds you accountable? Do you treat your customers as if they are the District Managers of your business?

Every customer is your boss. Straighten up for them. Put on a clean apron and give them the service of a lifetime. Your boss is watching. It’s your customer.