I was in line to get bagels last weekend.
Half of the people on line wanted individual bagels – just a bag with bagels in it.
I suggested to the person behind the counter that perhaps they should have a line for people that just want bagels.
She looked at me funny, smiled, and then helped the next customer.
The woman on line in front of me said “She doesn’t have the power to do that.”
WHAT?
Of course she does! She has a mouth doesn’t she?
She can make a suggestion, can’t she?
She can also start asking people on line if they just want bagels all by herself too!
Sure there are instances when we lack real power or authority.
But, I believe that we think we lack power far more often than we actually do.
What do you think?
LOL Ann.
That’s the one!
Karin H
Hi Karin –
Then there’s my favorite that goes something like this: It’s fart better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.
(Although I wouldn’t advocate that as a customer strategy – more of an internal change management strategy.)
a
Hi Ann
Oh so true. For the last 5 minutes I’m trying to remember where I read an excellent quote on this very subject, stating exactly the attitude needed for this – but I’m getting old!
Can’t write it verbatim but will try nonetheless:
“It’s better to be slapped on the wrist for taking responsibility and changing something for the better than to wait for someone to take that action. The frustration is less.”
I am sure I read it somewhere on All Things Workplace in the ‘Change’ series.
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)