I need what I need when I need it. I don't wait for it... I don't wait for someone to give it to me. I get it if I can get it. I'll ask for it most of the time.
Many people would call that being direct. Is it my corporate upbringing? The fact that I answer feedback from a website and actually love feed back because it tells us what we're doing wrong and we can fix it?
Why do I ask my questions to get information? Why do I tell management their services need work? Because I need information and if I can save another customer from what I went through, then I will. I think people should share their information and experiences because there's no point in keeping others out on a limb. There's no reason why a place of business should see a decline of business if you know the answer.
Examples...
Recently a bus was running late. I went to ask the attendant nicely, "I'm really sorry to ask this, but at what point should we be worried if we needed the 11:45 and it's 12:05 right now?" To which he kindly responded, "Give it 10 minutes and then we'll worry." The bus showed up 2 minutes later but not without someone making a comment about how direct I am to get what I needed.
I honestly consider it a virtue to get all information out in the open. Why sit around hoping information will fall on you like a magical snow dusting in Florida?
Another example...
I've got a couple of healthy kids but not without their minor health issues. I have no problem sharing those issues with fellow parents so that they know there is help available. Yet I've been told how forethcoming I am...
Another example...
I was unhappy with the service at a restaurant and I asked if it was normal for food to take this long. I was told I shouldn't ask these questions before the food comes because the waiters can spit in your food. Ok, got me there....
Another example...
I'll be having coffee with someone and I'll be conveying a story of my issues with Target's customer service (been to the manager a few times) and again, the comment, "Wow you're so direct."
And none of these are said nicely to me.... I mean talk about being direct.... I don't think I've ever gone around telling anyone what I consider their poor qualities but many people sure feel like being direct and telling me I can be direct.
Direct. I could remember my grandmother telling me I was getting fat (hurtful direct). I've been around people making jokes about people's looks and being rude (passive direct).
I'm not rude. I ALWAYS ask my questions with a smile and happy tone. I don't try to hurt anyone... I try to get information out to who needs it and fast so we can make informed decisions. I try to run my life ship-shape and when someone impedes that I will find out from them what can I do to help to make it go faster/better.
My resolution for 2010 is to be non-direct. And we'll all be sitting around getting bad service together. I'm only holding true to this in front of others. I can't possibly sit around hoping a bus will show up if I just complain about it to others.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
So here's the problem with non-direct, it sounds like indirect which is a slippery slope to passive-aggressive. Who benefits from that? You ask questions so you can make informed decisions. I did have a non-techy person tell me that she likes to start with: "I have a question ..." to disarm the person she's questioning. Personally, I find it redundant but whatever. She also likes to hug strangers.
You gather data and turn it into information and then share it. Good for you. Isn't that what an information society is about? I mean what's the point of the interwebs if not that? So, maybe think about your audience - maybe they're uncomfortable with confrontation (even the benign kind) and you can go get answers out of their earshot.
Personally, I'd rather not suffer in silence. YMMV.
Post a Comment