A Blank Check Is Not Customer Service or Trust
Would you sign a blank check and hand it to your vendor? You might, depending on the relationship, yet, how do you really feel about that?
Trust is an important aspect of any relationship. It is important personally and professionally.
Does it matter to you?
Does Trust Apply?
In the workplace, we trust that the work once distributed will get finished. We trust that the quality will be present and that the deliverables will be timely.
How would you react if the employee said, “I’ll do the work, but there is no certainty of the final cost for my services, write a blank check and I’ll fill it out when I’m finished?”
Does this change the dynamic? Is trust a two-way street? Should the employee trust that he or she will be paid?
If you’ve encountered this does it leave you with a warm-fuzzy feeling?
Something seems a bit off to me.
Backward Thinking?
I once had a potential client suggest that I pay them.
Yes, it’s true. A role reversal kind of move.
They would allow me to come to their facility to provide training services and they would invite some of their top connections. The offer was based on the idea that they would round-up a bunch of other potential clients (just for me) and it would be a great opportunity to secure future business.
“It will only cost you a small amount.” she expressed.
Yes, sadly, this conversation really happened.
I don’t know about you, but I’d love to go to a local electronics store and grab a big-screen television. At the checkout, I could state, “I’ll take this television and it will only cost you $1,000.00, for me to take it.”
Blank Check
Every business relationship needs to understand the dynamics of customer service.
For every touchpoint, every transaction, and every opportunity there should be an expectation of trust.
Trust often takes time to build.
Instructing your potential customers to write you a blank check seems kind of silly.
Doesn’t it?
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
