We've come to the conclusion of Enchantment! I hope you've enjoyed the journey and picked up a practical nugget or two along the way. The answers/comments for this blog post are due Thursday, May 8 at 9am.
Here are the last questions:
1. The principle of Underpromise/Overdeliver is a simple way to enchant. Have you experienced this as a customer? Maybe you've made such promises as an employee? As a customer how did you feel? How about as an employee?
2. What one key takeaway did you have from the "How to Enchant Your Boss" chapter? What's the first thing you'll try as you start your professional career?
3. Have you ever been caught by the Dopeler effect?
4. What do you think of Guy's checklist?
5. What's one thing you've done differently as a result of reading Enchantment?
1. I've definitely experienced this concept as a customers, but I didn't give it much thought at the time. I think shipping companies do this a lot; they might set the bar lower initially, then deliver it before that time and date. By exceeding the customer's initial expectations, the business might gain a better reputation by making the customer feel like they got extra value. As an employee, I like to give myself a little wiggle room in case something comes up or I run into problems. That way, I either finish at the time I promised, or end up getting it done sooner. Either way, the job gets done and hopefully the customer/boss is pleased!
ReplyDelete2. I really liked the quote, "priority is a function of context." I pride myself on being able to prioritize well, but as I begin my professional career, I realize I might suddenly be asked to do things I wasn't planning on. Especially as a young employee, I need to be able to adapt and be flexible. My boss might need something done immediately even though I have several things I'd rather be doing. Like Guy said, part of enchanting your boss is convincing him/her that you're hardworking, and a huge part of that is saying yes to whatever they throw at you and getting it done to the best of your ability.
3. Unfortunately, the Dopeler effect has triumphed over me before. This is exactly why I can't shop unless i'm in the mood. Especially if I'm in a hurry, I end up making stupid purchases and blowing money. I like shopping for clothes on occasion, but it can stress me out if I don't know what I'm looking for. I don't like to feel rushed, and I definitely get stressed if I can't find something right away. BRIANNE JOSEPH -- this was totally you yesterday! :)
4. I think Guy's checklist could be applicable in certain situations, but I can't see myself using it all the time. Sometimes I feel like I just have to stick with my gut and make a decision, eve though I'd like more time to consider.
5. Enchantment has definitely brought the concept of reciprocity into my life. I like the idea of "giving unexpectedly." Instead of always doing something when I'm asked, why not go out of my way and surprise someone? I think it's a enchanting way to build trust. It's feel great to return favors and help someone out, but I've found it feels even better to initiate it. Also, this is random, but I've found myself using the word "enchanting" much more in my everyday vocab now, thanks Guy!
1. As a customer I would have to say when ordering products online. Sometimes they come very early and some companies you feel like your product is never going to arrive. As an employee, I worked at a Christmas store and customers would come in looking for something specific they bought last year and wanted more of for their Christmas tree. We often don't have the same item left so I help them find other ornaments/ribbons/etc. that will match their current them. These customers always appreciate the extra time I spent helping them come up with an alternate plan.
ReplyDelete2. I really like the idea of prototyping your work. I think he makes great points in getting feedback right away. I always think it is best to start the project and ask questions right of the bat, than to put it aside and do wrong or be unsure about it. Boss's understand the willingness to learn. I also like the idea of underpromising and overdelivering. I tend to try and set tight goals for myself when I know that it may take me longer, I'm just trying to be more efficient with my time. To a boss I could see that this would appear as being late, instead of being more realistic with time and looking like you overdelivered.
3. The Dopeler effect is exactly why I like to 'mission shop' on occasion. This always seems like a great idea to me because I go out looking for specific items. The problem is I tend to not find those items and then get irritated that I want other things that I'm not looking for. When I'm not looking for specific items I tend to make better decisions because I am relaxed and enjoying myself.
4. I think Guy's checklist is a very broad list that covers a lot of good points. The beginning of the list makes you think about whether or not you are confident in the decision you are about to make, which I feel is very important with big decisions. The second half covers more the moral, ethical side of things and helps you to consider if this is the best decision for those around you. A good list to brush over when in doubt of a big decision.
1. This is such a odd concept for me. On one had, I can think back to getting told I'd be getting less than I actually receive, or being told I have to wait a lot of time and it's only five minutes (for example, waiting for a package to ship/arrive). However, I have also learned I want to hold myself accountable to make myself do the work. Saying I'd get some, but not all, of the work done does not make me want to complete it. I don't like the idea of misleading people, especially when deadlines exist. "By this date, this will be done." If by the due date it's not done, that's on me. I agree with the "you either deliver or you don't" more than I agree with overdelivering.
ReplyDelete2. In my leadership class, we talk about mentors (the class is Coaching and Mentoring). I love the concept of asking for mentoring. I do that with my bosses at my college jobs. I always want to know how I can be doing better, and I like being able to have an open/honest two-way relationship with my boss. Having a boss as a lifeline (a term in the EHC class) is very important, and I'm glad to see the concept appear in another class.
3. Impulse buys. Impulse buys everywhere. But I swear, they seemed like good ideas at the time! Even when it comes to doing projects, I can rattle off the first idea that comes to me and it sounds great at first, until we look into it, pick it apart, and come up with a better solution (which is actually an effective way to do work!). I've also given the "sure, I can do that!" to a question that just flies at me... only to realize "What am I signing up for?"
4. Sometimes, as Baileigh wrote, going with your gut can be the right decision. However, I do agree with many elements of the checklist. In the heat of the moment, it's not possible to think of everything on the list, but actions that take longer to act on definitely require some deep thinking. I try not to do anything illegal or something that will harm anyone/anything, so I guess I do consider some of the items on the list, but like I said it's hard to go through all of them.
5. I've taken more notice into companies trying to enchant me. I've better understood what's going on when a company shares a story. I have also been able to analyze my own actions to provide a check for myself to see how genuine my actions are. I like the concept of enchanting people, and I've become more aware of my own actions and the actions of others.
1. I have experienced this as a customer and it is a great concept. the book mentioned Disneyland and I have experienced this when I went to Disney World a couple months ago. I went on multiple different rides, each telling me I had to wait about 45 minutes. It was always less than that and it made me a happy customer. The only time I was not happy was when Haunted Mansion ride broke down. Restaurants could benefit from this. Many seem to underestimate, but overestimating could make customers happier if they do not have to wait as long as they thought.
ReplyDelete2. One of the main points I will take away from that chapter is asking for mentoring. I think it is important that no matter what position you are in, to have someone guide you through. It is important to keep learning and to have someone lean on. I want to make sure I find a mentor on the journey through my career.
3. It is funny that Bailiegh mentioned that the Dopeler effect got the best of me because that is exactly the story I thought of when I figured out what this meant. I was dress shopping for graduation. I tried on about 10 dresses and was getting frustrated that none of them "enchanted" me. I bought one anyway and also bought two more today. I was feeling rushed since graduation is less than a week away. At least now I have options, and I will return the two that I decide not to wear. Shopping seriously stresses me out.
4. I think it is hard to apply all the items on Guy's checklist in all situations. It is also hard to think of all of those items when making quick decisions. I feel like I went through most of these when I was deciding if I wanted to take a job in Chicago or back home. Ultimately, I went with my heart.
5. I have never really thought of "enchanting" people before, especially from a company's point of view. I have learned that it is important to give back to others and not just think of yourself when you want to get ahead. I would rather enchant someone than step all over them to climb the ladder. I hope I can accomplish some of this in the future.
1. Last year birthday my mom and I went to Alexander’s Steakhouse for dinner. Alexander’s promises a discount for birthday customers. I showed the waitress my I.D. to prove it was my birthday and she realized I was now 21 years old. Not only did we receive a $20 discount, but I got a free beverage as well. Although I was promised a birthday discount, I did not expect anything extra. This enhanced my experience at Alexander’s and made me a very happy customer.
ReplyDelete2. Realizing that I need to drop everything I’m doing to make my boss happy was a tough one to swallow. I understand it is a very important aspect if I want to enchant my them, but I have a very stubborn personality. The point I agreed with the most and that I’ll attempt to do as an employee is to create a friendship. Having someone who’s on your side that you can trust in the work field is important.
3. I’m a bad at making decision regardless of the time frame I’m given. So yes, I have fallen into the Dopeler effect. Often times, I don’t realize that the idea is stupid until after it takes place.
4. I need to follow Guy’s checklist. I really need to take the first and second points and remember them. When buying a product sometimes I forget to ask myself if I’ll really need this is in the future.
5. I think Enchantment has encouraged me to be more positive in situations. I believe now that a positive input (no matter how hard it might be), will get you a positive outcome.
1. I cannot think of one specific example as to when this has happened to me as a customer, but I do know that it is an awesome feeling. When someone overdelivers, they are exceeding my expectations, which usually comes as both a surprise and a joy. It makes me feel like as I am really taken care of. As an employee, I try to do this in small ways, such as taking a project to the next level or doing more research than expected.
ReplyDelete2. I think the most important thing I learned for this chapter is delivering bad news early. This is something that is hard for me to do, but I feel Guy brings up a good point went he said by sharing bad news early, you have more time to develop solutions to the problems. Being able to have solutions when you deliver bad news to your boss is also important because it shows you are proactive.
3. Yes, I have been caught by the Dopeler effect. This usually happens when I am out shopping. I buy a pair of shoes I think I need or a friend talks me into buying a shirt. These are decisions that I haven't really thought about and I just make them in the moment. I usually am not very happy with these decisions and end up returning the items within a week.
4. I think Guy's checklist is very logical. Sometimes I make decisions on a whim and then end up asking myself, "Why did I do that?" I believe following the checklist would help me minimize my not so thought out decisions.
5. Because I have read Enchantment, I believe I now how have a better understanding of thinking about others on a day to day basis. One chapter that really stood out to me was how to make enchantment endure. The ideas giving with joy, giving often and generously, and giving unexpectedly all really stuck out at me. When you give to others in one way or another, you will feel better in the end.
1. I know from experience as a customer at Disney World that this sort of thing happens. The last time I was there there were several rides that we got to go on a lot faster than the signs said. It did make us feel pretty good to be getting on sooner than we said we would. To me that is some very smart strategy when it comes to running a business. If customers are made to feel special they will surely return to your company another time to get the same sort of “special” service.
ReplyDelete2. I really appreciated the “Drop Everything and Do What Your Boss Asks” section. I know that some people look on those who give in to every whim that the boss has and say that they are kissing butt. However, I don’t see it that way. I see that as an effective strategy for securing a job. When the time comes to lay people off I would like to think that a boss would keep the person who is responsive and responsible in their work over the individual who doesn’t care and is sloppy in getting things done.
3. I don’t know if I have, but I know friends who have. I grew up in a neighborhood with lots of other kids and sometimes one kid would get a not so bright idea. He would then exclaim it to the entire group and suddenly everyone is enchanted and starts to chime in with ideas that built off of the original not so bright idea. Pretty soon everyone is enthralled with the now horrible idea and they would carry it out to its not so pleasant completion. Unfortunately, I saw my friends get in trouble far too many times after going through a situation where the Dopeler effect had immense influence.
4. I would have to say that his checklist is an excellent way to take care of yourself and others when making decisions. It effectively covers all of the bases when one must make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with an action. It’s amazing how so few of the questions from the list pop into our heads when we are making a decision. I know that I would have probably made different decisions about some things had I had a list such as this to consult.
5. I know that this book has led me to think more about others when interacting than about myself. It has given very good advice in how to truly reach people and what they care about. I know that many of the tips and tricks I have learned from this book will stay with me beyond this class and I hope that I can put the advice from this book into good use in the workplace wherever I end up getting hired.
Joseph Crumrine
1. I have seen the concept of underpromise/overdeliver. I really like whenever I'm expecting something to be of lower quality and I get it and I'm surprised. I feel like this is a common tactic to use whenever you have to wait for an item such as shipping, waiting in line, or waiting in an office for a service. Whenever I'm told I have to wait a certain amount of time and I get the product/service earlier, I'm a happy camper.
ReplyDelete2. I like the idea of asking for mentoring. I'm lucky enough to have a job after school and be family friends with my boss at Motorola. Something I've mentioned to her is my want to be mentored by experienced people in the industry and she's promised to introduce me to some great mentors.
3. I constantly impulse buy...I need to control it. I go out looking for certain items and I come back with an extra 10 that I didn't "need." This is especially my problem when I go shopping at Target. I can't control myself by those clearance shelf's!
4. I believe that his checklist contains a good amount of items that should be considered when making a decision but it would be difficult to think of all of them if you have to make a quick decision. When making a difficult, long decision, its important to go through that list but I ultimately follow my heart. I feel like many people already know that answer to their decisions but they go through processes to accept that answer.
5. Since reading Enchantment, I can tell when companies or people are trying to enchant me when it wouldn't click before. I've also made a more conscious effort to try to enchant others and I feel like I understand how to do that better than I did before reading this book.
1) Underpromising and Overachieving is an interesting concept and one I never really thought about until reading what Guy had to say about it and how it can lead to enchantment. I have experienced this before at restauraunts while waiting for a table. The employee often tells customers the wait time is a little longer than it actually is and they are thus more satisfied when they get seated under the original time that was told to them. It's always a plus to get that wait time cut down so I was pleased as a customer.
ReplyDelete2) One key takeaway I got from this chapter was to form friendships. This is something I am going to try to do at my next job because I think it is beneficial for many things for me. Forming solid friendships not only results in a more happy self, but a more enchanted self as well. Developing and maintaining strong relationships with others will allow me to broaden my horizons and I believe it will also help me identify my true self, something I think is constantly a work in progress. I like how Guy said this also makes you a more efficient and effective person. I could not agree more.
4) I like the idea of Guy's checklist and I think it's something that I need to incorporate more in my life, especially when making important decisions. I find myself always rushing through things and having a frantic mindset when it comes to making decisions and I think seeing a list of all my options in writing would force me to evaluate each one properly and not neglect any details.
5) One thing I've done differently since read this book is judge others less often. Before reading, I found it easy to make an assumption about someone or a situation. Enchantment has made me realize that it is a lot more beneficial to give people the benefit of the doubt and that it's not always a good thing to assume the worst about someone or a situation.
1. I have experienced as a customer, like Guy's example, at Disneyland. It is a nice surprise and its these little things that help add to the overall customer experience. Other places that I believe do this as well are online sites on shipping from online sites such as Amazon.
ReplyDelete2. One take I got from enchanting my boss would be, to be friends with your boss. I think Guy made great points while including this advice. Its not that you have to be best friends with your boss but being able to have a nice conversation with them.
3. Like many others I have been caught by the Dopeler Effect while shopping, however, I think that I have started getting better at this. I have also been caught by this when ordering food, and there is a long line, or people are waiting on me. I feel pressured so I'll just tend to pick the first thing I see, whereas if I would've just taken a couple of minutes to read and think I could have made a better decision.
4. I think Guy's checklist is a great idea. It is an effective way to make sure that important decisions that you are making align with your core values. My favorite one were "would I still make this choice if no one was looking," and vice versa, because it means that this something that you morally agree with. I think that the checklist could definitely be used upon choosing between job offers, then you can feel comfortable in your decision and feel like that is somewhere that you have a future.
5. Since reading Enchantment I think that one thing I have tried to do more is trying to do things more genuinely. Points Guy made such as smiling, giving unexpectedly, trust worthiness and be a hero, are all ways to do this. By doing these things you achieve likability and your actions come off more hear felt and genuine.
2. I’m not sure if it was a takeaway, or if it served more as reinforcement to something I already do; but the section discussing prototyping of work reminds me of how I develop projects. This is how I have conducted most of my projects throughout my college career. Once a portion of the project is done, I send it to professors to make sure I am on the right track of what they are looking for. Plus, with graphic design we are encouraged to do this in order to receive feedback and further develop ideas. So, I plan to bring this habit with me into any future endeavors.
ReplyDelete3. Yes. Yes I’ve been caught by the Dopeler effect before. I once had a friend that would always want to go shopping or go out late (which for me can be fun…but not all the time) and I was the sole means of transportation every. single. time. This person always hit me last minute with the ideas, and if I began to say no, they would develop a reason as to why we should…or plead…ha. Anyway, for a short time I was “enchanted” in this way because it always seemed like a good idea when proposed, but the execution of it was seldom enjoyable. So, I removed myself from the situation entirely and only now, looking back on it, do I realize that this person didn’t have my best interests in mind, and I was foolishly enchanted.
4. It’d be interesting to take a step back and use this checklist for every decision I’ve made so far. I like the checklist, and I think I’ll reference it in the future.
5. Honestly, when it comes to contacting prospective employers, Enchantment has had a huge impact on the way in which I write my cover letters and introductory e-mails.
1. I experience this at Starbucks a a lot. I feel like they always try to make it seem like they aren't that great but every time I go in I have a great experience. It made me feel great because the experience over exceeds my expectations.
ReplyDelete2. The biggest takeaway from this chapter is drop everything and do what your boss asks. I think reading this section not only gave me a better idea of how important this philosophy is. But it also provided me with more insight on how to better accomplish this in my work.
3. I also have been a victim of the doepler effect as well. There have been many times where I should've been studying or doing something productive but people offer me other options that I would rather be doing. Although, the alternative options may be fun they are not the best option when there are tasks I need to accomplish.
4. I think this checklist is something very valuable that I will always think about. Especially in future career choices or options. I think it is important to gather as much information as possible about an new life decision. This checklist allows you to dive deeply into a decision and make sure it is the correct one.
5. I think after reading enchantment I have begun to think about situations in my every day life and if I am being enchanting. I also am watching my fellow students and trying to understand if they are as well. I think I try to implement these tips and idea into my life.
1. I really like that he addressed this concept! I have both done this and experienced it at work as a host and server. Quoting customers' wait time just a little above what it actually will be usually leads to surprising smiles when their party's name is called out over a crowded restaurant lobby earlier than expected. I know that as a customer It's always nice for me to be pleasantly surprised, even if the situation isn't always coincidental.
ReplyDelete2. I think the biggest takeaway is about presenting yourself to your boss as a credible and hard-working person and along with optimizing your experience working underneath someone that was once in your shoes. There is a lot of personal growth to be had by utilizing your boss as someone who can teach you.
3. The Dopeler Effect is something I think I have experienced a whole lot, and have fallen for almost every time the situation arises. I can recall many instances in college that I have experienced stupid ideas seeming like excellent ones. It always gets you when it's in the moment because you feel like you have to make a quick decision and there's no time to weigh your options.
4. I enjoy it - I think that some of these are things I don't necessarily think of when making decisions and I will in the future for sure.
5. I noticed that I have been much more aware of how everything I do has the potential to impact others around me. I feel alot more self-aware after reading it.
1. I think the principle of Underpromise/Overdeliver works really well in service industries. You can promise something simple and be able to over-deliver and enchant the customer. An example that comes to my mind is whenever I go to a decent bar (Ulrichs vs Crusens), it is simple to pour a draft beer into a cup, but giving personality and humor enchants me and definitely keeps me coming back. When I worked with my brother over the summer, our big thing was to give the basics of the painting company, but go above and beyond when we finally met our clients--this is how we gained loyalty.
ReplyDelete2. A lot of the things Guy listed made a lot of sense to me, but what I particularly enjoyed was "Deliver Bad News Early." I liked this because it is obvious, however it is very difficult to do because as humans, we don't like to disappoint or give bad news. I like that Guy included this because it just proves how important it is and it definitely will produce a better outcome than waiting on telling the news.
3. Being 22, I am guilty of the Dopeler effect and witnessed it as well. Both in school and social settings, it is much more attractive to take the easy way out or what first comes to mind. Sometimes you just do things without even thinking of the possible outcomes, those usually come back hit you in the face. My experiences have taught me to take a step back, breathe it out, write down options, and pick the best ones.
4. I like Guy's checklist, however I think the things on it can only be taken so far. Sometimes you just have to do what is right for you and your family, all the rest has to come later. It definitely asks those deeper questions we are so quick to ignore because we don't want to answer them.
5. I really enjoyed reading Enchantment and it has given me more insight and taught me more lessons than many of my college textbooks have. I think Guy is very knowledgable and he used his own experiences to enchant me, as a reader. I so far have used Enchantment in interviews, managers especially like that I know the importance of not being afraid to hire someone smarter or more qualified than you. I have and will use the book to remind me that everyone in this world has a purpose and a goal in life and you can't be quick to dismiss that, you must try to connect and understand. When you make everyone equal, life because much easier-both professionally and personally.
1. As a customer I have definitely experienced this. Guy's example is perfect and it is exactly what I was thinking. When I was younger and went to Six Flags Great America, they do the same thing to say it will take 30 minutes or so until you approach the front of the line when in reality it takes a lot shorter and I am very impressed. As an employee I've made the same promises. I used to intern at the Bradley Athletics Department and each time my supervisor would ask how long it would take me to finish a certain project I would tell him a little longer than I knew it would actually take me. He was always happy with the results because I would complete the task quicker than he expected.
ReplyDelete2. I really liked the "Form Friendships" section of the chapter because it's extremely true. You must form professional friendships throughout your workplace especially with people higher up in order to get on the good side of everyone. If you go into work everyday with a bad attitude and you aren't easy to talk to, you probably won't last that long at your job.
3. Yes, the Doepler Effect has been a very real part of my life. This usually occurs for me with impulse online shopping. When I receive my paycheck I get in this terrible habit of going online and shopping for shirts, shoes, and other random things. Later, I think to myself "Why did I do that? I don't even need this." It's unfortunate to say the least.
4. I really like his checklist because it points out all of the necessary positives and negatives that can go into making a decision. Although each thing on the checklist may not pertain to every decision you make in life, there are multiple points that can go along with your decisions.
5. After reading Enchantment I really have began to think more in-depth about my decisions and my actions around people in my life. It was a great book and Guy's personality made it a very easy read.
1. I don't know I can say this is as an employee, but I have experienced in designing for someone. I usually schedule a meeting for telling my progress a bit longer term that is capable to be done earlier.
ReplyDelete2. It was the first time I notice that we have a lot of choices how to enchant our boss. I will say "Prototype Your Work" is my favorite from the chapter. For creating designs, this action may be the most effective way to have preference from our boss.
3. Sometimes "Dopeler effect" helps you to have a best answer ever especially in a group. Although you thought it is a stupid answer, that could be a trigger to get the most creative idea.
4. This is the interesting check list. I thought this list is not applicable every time for our decisions. In the chapter it says "A year from now, this decision will still be a good one." I think this is an ideal decision and the goal of the decision.
5. Enchantment absolutely gives me more potential options in my life. I have not tried yet, but I will try to apply somehow in the near future.
I believe I have experienced this as a customer a number of times while going out to dinner and having a wait time that was overshot and then getting in relatively soon. I realize many places will do just the opposite to keep you in the door, but unless I’ve been lucky, I think this motto can transfer over into wait times at restaurants. As an employee I can’t think of an exact time that I have used it, but I do like to make sure I do not promise something I am not capable of. Then when I go to do it I want to do it to my full potential because I take a lot of pride in my work; people recognize you by the work you do and the effort you provide. As a customer, it’s natural to feel overjoyed when you think somebody went above and beyond for you, but as an employee you feel as if you tricked the customer. Tricking people isn’t usually the way to go about things, but it has its moments when it can be useful. (Such as these)
ReplyDeleteI liked the drop everything you’re doing for your boss. I think this is a good way to get noticed for one, and two keep the person happy who is cutting your check at the end of the week. Even though it may make more sense to do something your way, at the end of the day it’s about making your employer happy. If you are able to do that, good things will follow.
The Doepler effect has definitely had its way with me a number of different times in all aspects of life. Obviously with impulse buys because it’s sometimes hard to stick to a budget because of wants and desires. But I’m a person who likes to have time to analyze things and potential outcomes to avoid mistakes, so thinking on my feet can sometimes be problematic, but I’ve learned to go with my gut in most situations where a decision is imminent. I’m not afraid to say that the Doepler effect may also have more prevalence with some people when there is alcohol involved in their lives.
I’m a fan of the checklist, if you can meet all the criteria that means you’ve probably made a good decision. However, it is not realistic to believe that most decisions would meet all of the criteria. If it breaks one or more of those is it a bad decision? How bad? In this day and age, decisions need to be made quicker and with more efficiency than ever. Not having time to widdle through all of the pros and cons is something I along with the rest of the world needs to get used to. Many times, all we can do is go with what we’ve been taught through values and education to make the best decision possible.
5. I believe the concept of enchanting people has made me realize that I am in control of a lot of ways that can be thought of as enchantment. The reciprocity chapter made me really think about ways in which I can help out others who will then naturally return the favor when I need it. It’s taught me to dig deep on what I can do to better work with others and taught me a lot of little things I can do to better promote myself and psychologically depict some actions that people deem to be enchanting.
1. I dont underpromise/overdeliver often but I find that when I do, great things happen. I'm mostly a do what I'm told kind of person and try to do a couple extra things to make things work better. I've gotten this before when shipping with FedEx. I'll order something on ground delivery where they say 4-7 business days and I'll get it in three. Thats a good feeling because in those delivery services they don't get a whole lot out of delivering things early but they just set the bar low or what the norm is and know they can do better. I don't often feel this way as an employee. Most of my bosses tend to over promise/underdeliver. They talk sly and act like they are going to give you the hours you want but then mostly don't.
ReplyDelete2. I like the "show and broadcast progress" section. I try to do this when working in an office setting because it lets your boss do her own thing without having to peek over your shoulder at your work and it helps drive communication. This is especially good when your peers aren't reporting consistently. I think the first thing I'll try is to establish good communication with the people I'm working with to get right with the culture, so I can get the right projects and my employer will know my style.
3. When I go to Best Buy and someone is trying to sell me on a computer or a TV, I can get enamored by the Dopeler effect. I start to be persuaded that these machines are really good, when I should know in that present moment that they aren't. I'm usually good at researching things I'm going to buy but in the store I have many temptations.
4. I think a checklist is a great way to make a tough decision. I think we mentally go through a checklist of sorts when making tough decisions but usually our brain convinces us that one decision is better. We don't think about the situation critically, without bias. I think the checklist makes ourselves accountable personally. I think it is also a good procedure when making a really hard ethical decision.
5. I think the one thing that this book has taught me is that your always leaving an impression on people, whether thats your boss, your peers, or a customer. Knowing that and being able to make the right impressions are so important to your overall work experience. I now acknowledge each unique situation as a possibility to enchant someone and provide great service. I don't know if one tip stood out, but the entirety of the book enchanted me to change the way I look at work.
1. I think companies commonly use this principle in regards to shipping time estimations. I’ve definitely been pleasantly surprised a lot of times by an item that I ordered online being delivered sooner than expected, and it made me very happy! As an employee, I normally do like to make average promises and then outdo myself by accomplishing more. I really do think this makes you look good in the boss’s eyes, as well as the customers’ eyes.
ReplyDelete2. I really agree with the general idea of making your boss look good. Performing great is obviously one way to make your boss look good, but I’ve also found that inspiring laughter and being overly genuinely kind also makes your boss happy; inadvertently making them feel and look better in the workplace. Asking for advice and other mentoring is also a great way to build likeability because you are showing them that you value their knowledge and opinions. This also builds their confidence, causing them to be happier and look better in the workplace. Since I will be starting a new branch of my boss’s business with his help this summer, I think it is very important for me to take full advantage of all the mentoring and shadowing I can get in order to maximize his trust and confidence in me.
3. The Dopeler effect definitely happens to me frequently when shopping, but I also tend to agree to future plans (going places or doing things) with friends more often when they excitedly tell me about it in a quick, eager fashion. Their enthusiasm and pressure to get a response fast can easily get me to agree without thinking “do I REALLY want to spend my whole Saturday doing THAT?”.
4. I think that Guy’s checklist is a great tool to avoiding spontaneous decisions that could result in regret or injury. The common example that comes to mind is getting a tattoo. I went through a few phases of wanting a tattoo and still don’t have one because (luckily) I realized that I was changing my mind about it too frequently to get something permanently printed on my body. I definitely would have regretted a few ideas I once had!
5. My favorite chapter of Enchantment was “How to Achieve Likability”. Finding shared passions and defaulting to “yes” are two topics that have really stuck in my mind. One of my favorite things in life is to have “heart to heart” chats with people you just met about their goals and passions in life. I normally find that people really enjoy sharing and it’s fun to find things you have in common. After reading that chapter, I find myself engaging in conversations like this more often and now taking it a step further by thinking “what can I do to help them” in networking situations. People are enchanted by this because it is refreshing compared to typical “what can you do for me” attitudes. Overall, I LOVED this book and will always have many of the different topics top of mind.
Sorry this is late! You can blame United for that, as you saw by my Twitter saga.
ReplyDelete1) I really like this idea, and I've never really thought of it before. I've always just been one to try my hardest, but I think this is a simple way to enchant and impress people (even if it is a little scheme-y). This once happened with a waitress at Olive Garden. I've been to the restaurant many a time and never had high expectations for their service, my mind was always on the food. One time though, this waitress was super nice, always filling up our drinks and meal items (Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks- yum!), and then when she left she packed us each a ton of leftovers to bring home. We all were enchanted and tipped her very well.
2) I like the thought of mentoring. Even in the position I am at now, if a younger student asks for advice/help/mentoring, I'm always flattered. Asking a boss to be your mentor would definitely flatter them. Just starting out our careers too, this is a great piece of advice. It would be helpful to us if they agree to it, and if they don't then you still look interested in your work and respectful towards your boss.
3) Shopping. Always shopping. In the heat of the moment, I always tend to think there won't be anything else I'm going to like and that I have to get it that second. This has come to bite me in the butt later when I realize I don't like my purchases as much as I originally thought.
4) I like his checklist, though it is a bit intensive. I tend to be the type of person who spends a lot of time weighing over big decisions. I think it is important to take all things into consideration, about whether you'll be happy with your choice in the future, if it has ethical implications, and so on. Though he asks a lot of questions, we should definitely always try to consider some of the big ones (if not all).
5) After reading this book I am more aware of enchantment as it takes place. I never really thought of these small acts as steps toward enchanting someone, but I now consciously notice them and realize what their purpose is. It makes life more interesting and gives some actions more meaning.