<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>June 21, 2009
YOUR LETTERS
</TR><!-- headline one : start --><TR>Passion to serve beats good looks
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I refer to the article, 'Hiring only good-lookers' (May31).
It is important to hire staff based on their looks because first impressions do count in the service industry.
But having said that, I also believe it is more important that these people are willing to learn and have a passion to serve.
A few years ago, at an upmarket restaurant, I was served by an attractive young waitress (whom I would give 8.5 out of 10 for looks). However, her attitude left me disappointed. She accidentally tripped and spilt the food and drink on me, but instead of apologising, she blamed me for placing my bag on the floor, which she said caused her to trip.
What angered me most was when she said she disliked serving Asians. I told her that her comment not only offended me, but also other guests at the restaurant.
This incident aside, I have received good service by good-
lookers too. Once, at Rasa Sentosa Resort, I met a friendly waiter who looked like United States President Barack Obama.
It is nice to see that there are waiters and waitresses who have a passion to serve.
Ace Kindred Cheong
YOUR LETTERS
</TR><!-- headline one : start --><TR>Passion to serve beats good looks
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I refer to the article, 'Hiring only good-lookers' (May31).
It is important to hire staff based on their looks because first impressions do count in the service industry.
But having said that, I also believe it is more important that these people are willing to learn and have a passion to serve.
A few years ago, at an upmarket restaurant, I was served by an attractive young waitress (whom I would give 8.5 out of 10 for looks). However, her attitude left me disappointed. She accidentally tripped and spilt the food and drink on me, but instead of apologising, she blamed me for placing my bag on the floor, which she said caused her to trip.
What angered me most was when she said she disliked serving Asians. I told her that her comment not only offended me, but also other guests at the restaurant.
This incident aside, I have received good service by good-
lookers too. Once, at Rasa Sentosa Resort, I met a friendly waiter who looked like United States President Barack Obama.
It is nice to see that there are waiters and waitresses who have a passion to serve.
Ace Kindred Cheong
