OPEN is Apparently a Four Letter Word
OK, two stories with one message sent to me by the Universe. Received. I got it Universe. Thanks (I think) for the heads up. Instead of just steaming in my own juices, I’m going to share my stories with you, so you can hopefully avoid learning this message the hard way–like I did today.
First, I was a little shocked when I was contacted by a potential employer to someone in my network who apparently was seeking a job reference. The company wanted my input–but frankly, I had NO IDEA WHATSOEVER this person in my network was even looking for a job, nor what they wanted me to reinforce with this potential employer. Me. No. Likey – because I was blind sided here. Completely unprofessional.
What this person SHOULD have done was given me the heads up s/he needed a reference BEFORE the employer called.
Second, I opened up my $1200 silk drapes back from the dry cleaner, and discovered they were completely ruined on the inside. Of course, the ruined parts weren’t showing on the outside of the bag – they were strategically folded inside. Me. No. Likey – because I was blind sided here. Completely unprofessional.
What this dry cleaner SHOULD have done was given me the heads up they destroyed my curtains BEFORE or even WHEN I picked them up.
The word “open” apparently these days is a 4-letter word to some. We all need to be open. Look–here’s how I roll. I view the term as a NECESSARY 4-letter word. It’s IMPERATIVE that we be open with people–when we want jobs, when we need things cleaned, and especially when we fail and/or destroy something. We’re all eventually going to make mistakes, because we’re human. However, covering them up and not being open about them is unacceptable.
Communication is important. Being open is important. NOT blind siding your people OR your customers is important.
Both of the issues above are still “open” by the way – and I’ve been crystal clear with all parties in both situations on what I expect from them moving forward. Will I get what I want? I don’t know.
But at least I was O-P-E-N about it.
