Do you know this perhaps? You will be mistaken for the staff of a shop or the train.

This year, I was approached by three different people in Zurich while I was walking to my car:

“Are you from the railway?”

It’s always exciting to ask this question. I smiled and said, “Unfortunately, no.” But maybe I can still help.

I am flattered that I am inspiring confidence in this unknown person.

On the other hand, it is a pity when these people are desperate and there is no staff around to help.

People’s reactions when I say no are different.

But it would be very, very exciting to know why they think I’m from Swiss Railways.

I also confuse a customer with the staff at least once a year. Just like a few months ago in an outdoor sports shop in Germany.

From my point of view, a man was wearing the same brand colors and seemed to be familiar with what he was telling his counterpart …

I ask directly: Can you tell me if you also have binoculars? “

I don’t think he thought it was that funny.

But I was allowed to talk to others who took such mix-ups more relaxed and we exchanged a few words with each other.

Once in a grocery store, because I don’t like to search forever – I deliberately asked a woman, whom I already perceived as a customer, where I could find something. She smiled and helped me. She really knew her stuff.

We had a short conversation and I left the store with the realization: There are such great people around us if we let it.

I think we can always learn something from such mix-ups. I recognize again:

📍It’s human. Regardless of social status, positions, professions, cultures. We all get it wrong at some point.

📍Then we have the chance to start a conversation and clear up misconceptions.

📍… that there are many people who are willing to help.

📍Confusion arouses curiosity. We ask ourselves questions to which we might never get the clear answer. As an example, I ask myself: What led these people to ask me if I was from the railway?

📍The first impression is not decisive for a collaboration. We can also apply this to other aspects of diversity.

In this way, we can give ourselves and thus others a second chance.

Now over to you:

Have you ever been approached by mistake?

Have you ever confused customers with staff?

I look forward to your hashtag#Story or additions.