In the rural region of
While I’m so used to hearing those words (and saying them) that I don’t even think twice anymore, a conversation I had the other day brought those very words to mind.
The discussion surrounded a hypothetical situation of how far one should cater to a high-paying, high-power client. Someone mentioned his opinion that if he landed a large and notable client that pays very well, he would do everything in his power to please the client. The person used an analogy: if he ran a restaurant, and the client said, “I don’t like this soup; bring me something different to eat,” it was the restaurant’s job to say, “Yes, sir. What would you like?”
Now, I’m all for that. I worked as a customer service supervisor for 12 years and ran an international department. The saying “the customer is always right” is pretty ingrained in my mentality. I’ve also worked five years in purchasing, so I’ve been on the other side of the fence, too. I know the tricks clients use to get the most from providers.
If I was a client, I’d expect the service to cater to my whims until I was satisfied. If I was a provider (which I am), I’d expect to to jump through hoops and dance on command until the client was happy. It’s all part of the game.
But in the end, my personality is affected by my culture. Quebecers are a proud, proud people. They’re passionate, open, and opinionated. That’s not always a good thing. There comes a point when my dance steps fail, when my jumping through hoops stops. I am a proud person, I stand up for who I am, and I believe in myself. There comes a point where I put my foot down and I won’t dance for anyone.
Back to the point of the high-paying, powerful client. My friend’s thought is that money and power buy absolute obedience. My belief is that money is nice, but it only goes so far. I won’t do anything for a buck. I’ll go a good distance, sure, I’ll do my possible best, but when the situation starts to be uncomfortable or abusive of power, that’s when I dig in my heels.
Wealth does not come with the permission to manipulate, command, obligate and otherwise turn people into puppets. Most people who live in my region would say one thing to a rich individual waving dollars and giving orders: Who do you think you are?
I have to wonder if that’s an isolated, cultural mindset, though. The person I was conversing with over the subject came from the other end of
So let’s see… If you had a client who had money, fame and power who asked for total obedience, what would you do?
