Who do you think you are?

One can learn a lot about society by people-watching at a Starbucks. I spent 4 hours in a Starbucks today, 3 of them in meetings. In between the meetings, I noticed a few things which made me want to ask, "Who do you think you are?"

To the business people dressed in suits who left their trash on the table: who do you think you are? Is it too much trouble to throw a coffee cup in the trash? It's not like you have to do dishes or bus full table settings. Is it really up to the next people meeting there to clean up after you? Do your coworkers have to clean up after "messes" you make too?

To the guy who snapped at the employee for making the wrong drink: who do you think you are? Is getting a regular mocha instead of a white mocha really going to ruin your day? The employee made a new drink, get over yourself. Who do you think you are to be so rude? I'd hate to think of how you would act if something truly tragic happened in your life. Are you as rude to coworkers when you're in a bad mood at work?

To the young lady talking loudly on her cell phone about how her boss makes her get coffee: who do you think you are? Well, honestly, I felt somewhat sorry for the gal but wondered what she's done to show she's capable of more than getting coffee. Is she waiting to be discovered as awesome by simply doing the minimum asked? I don't know but wondered so she's in the category. Plus, she ought to talk a little softer when badmouthing the boss in public.

Finally, to the group of job seekers meeting to discuss strategies: who do you think you are? I hope you've figured out what makes you who you are and what you can offer another company. I wish you luck in your searches.

It's interesting to watch the happenings at a Starbucks. It's interesting to watch how people behave when they think no one notices. It made me wonder who some of those people are at work and if they would behave the same way had their bosses or spouses been watching.