Ed arrived at work RAVING about his new Gillette razor. It actually provided a clean, smooth shave. He was so pleased he bought shares in the company.
I bought a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and was absolutely blown away by its impact on my flat's scuffed walls; it really did work like magic!
Why are we so surprised when our experience is “Exactly What It Says on the Tin”?
1. We're tech-savvy: Technology has expanded our definition of "truth in advertising". We bought applicant tracking software in the early nineties. A few days after installation, we discovered that applicants were being dropped from the database. We were told it was "a glitch”. The provider hoped to have a solution in a few months and would provide it with the next release. I am reminded of this at least once every week, when my Adobe or Windows updates are applied. We’ve grown accustomed to getting something that is "very nearly what it says on the tin".
2. We’re outsourcers: I recently met with an organization that retained a search firm to fill several critical roles. The organization’s leadership is insanely busy, so they hired a consultant to liaise with the search firm. Is it even remotely surprising to learn that they have had several “finalists” prove unsuccessful in leadership interviews? The best outsourcing providers will tell you that they are only successful when they integrate fully with their clients. We’re so reliant on others that we fail to do our part to get “what I think it says on the tin.”
3. We’re in a rush: We’ve recently moved to a ‘full service’ building. Trash and recycling is handled by the building’s fabulous service team. Of course, we need to separate our disposables; bottles and cans go on a shelf; boxes and cardboard on the floor; paper in the bin; trash down the chute. My neighbor stood by the refuse closet attempting to categorize and store all items for several minutes, then sighed, dropped all his trash in a sack and shoved it down the chute. “Who has the time?” he queried. We’re in such a rush to get it done we have “no idea what it says on the tin.”
Want to get exactly what it says on the tin?
1. Be smart: Learn what it really ‘says on the tin’ and determine if the product/service is really what you need.
2. Integrate: Outsourcing, even delegation, can not only expand your capacity, but also your knowledge base. Don’t assume, however, that your provider knows all that you know; effective outsourcing is not reliant on division but integration and teaming.
3. Invest the time: For the first time in a long time, farmers are making money. Take a lesson from those who grow for a living; cultivation takes time. Invest in understanding what is in the tin, and whether it really does work for you.
