Saturday, June 28, 2008  Two little words that can prevent an
anxiety  After reading how a restaurant used two little words to
cut their reservation "no-shows" from 30% down to 10%, it
occurred to me that those same little words could add to harmony
at home.  As parents, spouses, or sweethearts, we're always
worried when our loved ones are late getting home - and on top
of the worry is a bit of anger because they "should" know the
worry they're causing.  Well, one restaurant changed it's
reservation script from "Please call if you can't make it," to
"Will you please call if you can't make it" and that made all
the difference. It seems that by getting people to answer in the
affirmative - and thus commit to making that call, they created
an obligation that most were willing to fulfill.  So, next time
a loved one heads out the door to work, school, or play, why not
say "Will you please call me if you're going to be late?" And
wait for them to answer with a "yes."  I'm definitely going to
try it. Meanwhile, I'm