We Get What We 'Ask For'

Sometimes, at an event where the face painting is provided to attendees for free, a member of the public feels they still have a right to complain (if they are less than delighted with their 'darling's' face!

It's prabably happened to us all, perhaps under different circumstances, but where someone seems 'ungrateful' for what was, after all, a free gift.

You may think: "If they are getting it for free, they should be happy with whatever they get".

But I don't agree with that. They should be happy because it's great, not because of the price! Equally they can be unhappy when it doesn't meet their expectations, paid for or not. Haven't you been disappointed when you've received a present, perhaps a Christmas or Birthday Gift and it's not what you wanted or expected. OK, in those circumstances we may say nothing. Actually I can recall a time when I did and the giver was totally upset and it became a big issue for ages. But I didn't think any less of her for buying something 'wrong' and felt I should at least be honest.

But that's another story. When a guest at an event expresses their dissatisfaction, I believe we should listen. Believing that they should be delighted 'whatever' may create a 'mind set' that produces a less than peak performance.

"You didn't pay anything and it's worth every penny!".

I think we should deliver 100%+ whatever the financial agreement. Equally, when a customer receives something for free, they should value what they have. Of course, whatever the parent thinks, the smiles on the kids' faces are priceless. Free or not, people believe they have a right to certain things and they expect the same standard as if they paid in full. There is an "epidemic" of complaint behaviour because they get away with it so often it becomes the norm.

But ... WE GET WHAT WE DESERVE!

Sad but true. Both as a race, as a nation, community and individual.
We get what we ask for (intentionally or otherwise).

If we look as though we are 'easy' we'll get 'used'. If we look too 'nice' we'll be tried and tested, stretched to our limits. As we've heard from some responses already, and I'm sure there will be more, the more confident, assured, experienced painters will just say "no!". As soon as you are seen to be 'giving in' it's a clear signal to others (who are that way inclined) that they can get more from us.

So the lesson is:

• What signals are we giving out? What can we do to improve that?
  
• What small thing(s) can we change to give a better impression, one more aligned with what we want?
  

John Gordon
The Infotainer
www.WatchThisFace.com