Customer Service in the Tech Age

We all have seen it and made comments about it. The "Self Check" isle at the grocery store and the in attentive attendant that, when called by a prompt from the electronic cashier, simply inputs a series of numbers without so much as a "hi, how are you"! 

We are allowing it so its almost as if we are just as much to blame. We want the speedy, non chatting electronic cashier. She gets it done and gives us more time for Facebook and Twitter or the chance to shoot that cute self portrait of us using the electronic cashier on Instagram.

I'm guilty. But when I'm in a business whose business plan is to provide exceptional customer service, I want the person helping me to give me their undivided attention. It's the least amount of time I will demand but its mine. It's a simple pleasure I have to get a venti mocha frappacino with whip and a smile.