My social media algorithm feeds me mostly Chiefs love, mom hacks, and menopause memes, but recently, Steve Carrell’s commencement speech to Northwestern University landed and I listened.
It reminded me of this post highlighting Aldi’s brilliant and simple cart-return honor system. Back in the “olden days” (I’m approaching 50 in <2 months, so…):
- Kids helped mom move groceries from the cart into the trunk,
- One kid returned the cart to the rack at the front of the store, while
- Mom and the other kid(s) picked the cart kid up at said store front.
Over the years as our American sense of responsibility to one another waned and convenience, hurry, and “it’s someone else’s job” prevailed, stores moved cart racks to the parking lot. This move made the process more convenient for the shopper and reduced stores’ liability for runaway carts left in lots. Some of these racks are actually farther than the storefront!
Comedian/actor Steve Carell’s hilarious and thoughtful commentary on this – and a memorable dance break – in this year’s commencement speech to Northwestern University is worth your time:
Happy serving,
Stephanie Sharp