I know this will cause some who will be angry the question is raised and be prompted to support the staff either as employees or relatives but I thought it was fair to raise the question. When visiting or, going to the Rec Centers or Country Clubs how many have noticed that the "hospitality" is missing and the employees seem to either be disinterested in showing a good attitude or worse appear to be unhappy. Of 100% I would guess at best 10% show a "welcome" attitude. At special events the staff who watch the squares almost to the person have a power and control issue as opposed to being the "representatives" of The Villages.
I realize the pay for these assignments is very low but that should not be the excuse for the way The Villages is represented.
Hopefully this view is not correct however it has been my observations regardless to which Rec Center or CC is visited.

[NJblue]

This has not been my perception at all. In fact I had to think hard to come up with any situation which meets this description, and couldn't come up with one. In fact, my perception is that the staff is always willing to go the extra mile in a cheerful, helping way.

[pooh]

I haven't encountered that sort of attitude with people who work at the rec centers. I have seen it from people visiting them. They project the attitude that they are "better" than those who are working there.

Part of the problem might just be that the person working at a rec center has been dealing with "attitude" people and by the time you get there, you're now getting attitude from them.

Be nice, stay friendly, smile and watch...their "attitude" might just change. So often people forget that it is their fellow Villagers working, their friends and their neighbors.

One perception I have and it's purely my perception, it seems that some who are visiting view the community a bit differently than those who live here. It's seen as a vacation place, a place to have fun and with that, the expectations of service could be just a tad different. Most people are gracious, caring and generous with their help, but when they encounter that "I'm better than you because I don't have to work attitude" their demeanor could change.

[Army Guy]

I agree with the above two posters. I have a hard time NOT finding someone helpful or cheerful. Most willing go the extra mile to be helpful and professional.

Army Guy

[hoseman]

Originally Posted by pooh

I haven't encountered that sort of attitude with people who work at the rec centers. I have seen it from people visiting them. They project the attitude that they are "better" than those who are working there.

Part of the problem might just be that the person working at a rec center has been dealing with "attitude" people and by the time you get there, you're now getting attitude from them.

Be nice, stay friendly, smile and watch...their "attitude" might just change. So often people forget that it is their fellow Villagers working, their friends and their neighbors.

One perception I have and it's purely my perception, it seems that some who are visiting view the community a bit differently than those who live here. It's seen as a vacation place, a place to have fun and with that, the expectations of service could be just a tad different. Most people are gracious, caring and generous with their help, but when they encounter that "I'm better than you because I don't have to work attitude" their demeanor could change.

Best post I've read on this board.

[dfn8tly]

Sorry REH7380 - - -
Every time I encounter a staff member at a rec. center or in one of the town squares I put a smile on my face and it's immediately returned. If I should have a question the information is given beyond my requirements and with grace and good humor. I wish I could say my contacts with our snow birds and visitors were as routinely genuine and pleasant.

[skip0358]

I to have to agree with the responses. I don't find a proble either. Give a smile or hello and I comes right back at you. Ask a question and it's answered.

[Peggy D]

Originally Posted by dfn8tly

Sorry REH7380 - - -
Every time I encounter a staff member at a rec. center or in one of the town squares I put a smile on my face and it's immediately returned. If I should have a question the information is given beyond my requirements and with grace and good humor. I wish I could say my contacts with our snow birds and visitors were as routinely genuine and pleasant.

Well said

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by pooh

I haven't encountered that sort of attitude with people who work at the rec centers. I have seen it from people visiting them. They project the attitude that they are "better" than those who are working there.

Part of the problem might just be that the person working at a rec center has been dealing with "attitude" people and by the time you get there, you're now getting attitude from them.

Be nice, stay friendly, smile and watch...their "attitude" might just change. So often people forget that it is their fellow Villagers working, their friends and their neighbors.

One perception I have and it's purely my perception, it seems that some who are visiting view the community a bit differently than those who live here. It's seen as a vacation place, a place to have fun and with that, the expectations of service could be just a tad different. Most people are gracious, caring and generous with their help, but when they encounter that "I'm better than you because I don't have to work attitude" their demeanor could change.

Pooh, well said. Our positive attitude always seems to be returned.