Have you ever noticed that when you get something almost too easily it doesn’t seem to have the same value as something you had to work really hard for?
There were two places in the shopping center near my boyhood home where I could purchase candy. The “dime store” also known as the 5 & 10 store and the bakery. Both offered a tempting display of candy, enough to turn the head and attention of any five year old. There was to my mind no real difference between the candy. Candy from either store was OK. What always struck me was I thought I got more for my money at the 5 & 10 store than I got from the bakery. The lady at the counter at the 5 & 10 would open the required small white bag place it on the scale – zero out the scale – and then begin to add from the large scoop enough candy to tip the scale at 1/4 lb. my allotted limit. Keeping in mind that I could not tell the difference in the candy, the fellow at the bakery would reach in with the scoop pour a bunch of candy on the scale and then scrape off , what seemed liked handfuls, until the scale balanced at 1/4 lb. The same weight yet the little white bag always seems a bit less full at the bakery compared to the 5 & 10.
It is often the same result when we get bigger and start trying to get more for our money in a negotiation. The minute the other fellow starts to scrape off bits we want to see how far we can get them to go. The hidden message to us is “he doesn’t think much of his stuff” or he wouldn’t compromise so much so fast. Conversely when your other half stands their ground and proceeds to revisit the value proposition and how we will gain the advantage, we feel more confident we are about to make the right decision.
Some buyers can’t help themselves they feel that if they don’t win they lose. Somewhere they lost the idea that a good business deal is only a good business deal when both sides prosper.
Life is lot like a good business deal. We get along so much better when those around us feel like they gain as much from us being around as we do for having them around.
Maybe it is time to remind ourselves that “All we need to know about life can be learned from our dog.”
- If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you’ll get what you want
- Be aware of when to hold your tongue, and when to use it
- Leave room in your schedule for a good nap ( some of you really need one)
- Don’t go out without your ID
- Be direct with people let them know exactly how you feel by piddling on their shoes
- Welcome those you love with all your heart and a wagging tail
Ever watch a dog negotiate for something they want? Make a note and take a lesson.
You will never find a better example of a servant leader than you dog.
Want a lesson in change management, watch your dog make him or herself at home.
Need directions on business acumen, observe your dog getting what he wants from you – a walk – a treat – a rub.
Observe your dog. I did, I miss him greatly.