You Will Never Make Everyone Happy

American Airlines was looking for some ways to save money. So, they asked their employees for some ideas. Over many years of collecting meal trays in aircraft cabins, flight attendants had come to know that most passengers did not eat the olives in their salads. Could getting rid of the olives save money?

Sure, enough it could. Removing that one item from the salads would save the company roughly $500,000 per year. But would it upset the passengers? Research said no. The study showed that 72 percent of customers were not, in fact, eating their olives.

So, everyone would be happy right?

No, not really.

The Association of Olive Growers wasn’t happy at all. They contacted the airline and threaten a boycott if they didn’t bring back the olive. American Airline was able to settle them down but making sure that the airline would have olives for any passenger that wanted them, they would just have to ask.

In reality, there is no decision or action you can take that will make everyone happy. To try to do so will just mean you do nothing. What we need to focus on is making the best one we can. We must prioritize our outcomes, if what is gained better than what it costs.

In Galatians1:10, Paul says, “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” If we focus on making everyone happy very rarely, are we then focused on pleasing God.

In the end, I’d much rather be disappointing men and pleasing God than making everyone happy and having God upset with me.

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