Charles had just started his new job as a greeter at Wal-Mart after retiring. He was friendly, sharp, neat as a pin—and customers loved him.
There was just one problem:
He could never seem to get to work on time.
Every day he’d stroll in 5, 10, sometimes 15 minutes late. Still, once he arrived, he did an excellent job.
Finally, the manager called him into the office.
“Charles, I really like your work ethic,” the manager said. “You’re great with customers, and you do fantastic work. But you’re late far too often, and it’s becoming a problem.”
“Yes sir, I know,” Charles said. “I’m working on it.”
“That’s good to hear,” the manager replied. “You’re a team player. But I have to ask—since you’re retired from the Armed Forces, what did they say back then when you showed up late?”
Charles looked down, smiled, and let out a little chuckle, and said, “Well… usually they’d say,
‘Good morning, General. Can I get your coffee, sir?’”