by dwvideo | Nov 10, 2014 | blog
Integrity in business and personal life.  Who am I to talk about this topic.  I do not have a PhD or have a masters in Psychology (the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.).  There is a believe system.  Knowing the difference between right and wrong and over time how to deal more with people and know the importance of integrity in business and personal life.
I love technology! Well, realistically however it is a love – hate relationship with technology. Why is a video/media producer talking about integrity? Â Recently had a client that was not 100% satisfied with what we provided her. Â Through multiple attempts to gather information we just had a communication problem. This became apparent from an email. Â Well lets just say one did not have to read between the lines to understand where she was coming from.
First off, I am not perfect, never have claimed to be and will take responsibility for my actions… even if I am in the wrong. Â This I blame on my parents. (note- sarcasm)
Our first instinct when receiving any type of conflict is to immediately go into a defensive position. Â How dare they say this or that. Our first thought is replying to the email and in great detail countering every point and item on their list with a reason why. Â This takes so much time and effort as you want to say it just right. Â Remember, how dare they say that about me and my business.
Now STOP! Breath, step back and re-read. Â For me it came after a second email had been sent. Â For which my response included two quick points along with ‘we should meet’. Â I will not play the game of he said, she said over email. Â Email has no emotion. Â It can take your thought and come across in a totally different way. So, responding with, “I will not go over these issues in a an email – we need to meet, where and when?” was the right thing to do.
We all have known someone that will take hours responding in a carefully crafted email only to find out they come back with more objections and before you know it – feelings are hurt, things are said and you have lost that person as a customer or friend.
Is it worth it? Â No is the answer. Â Step up and be accountable to your actions. Yes, even if you were in the wrong. Â Look for a solution, think of how it affects you and your customer.
The day of the meeting I had thoughts of how bad this could turn out. Â Knowing inside I had an answer for every observation she had and further more, a damn good answer for all of it. But, knowing that I was not going to be defensive and knowing there was a reasonable solution that will come from this meeting, I turned it over to God. Â Yes, through faith I knew if by listening and talking, not shouting we could come to a conclusion.
A solid conclusion we did. Â We are still doing business together and will continue to support each other, both in business and as friends. Â Integrity in business and personal life is not always easy. Â I remember the look on their face when they sat down as I thanked them for coming and that this is not an email thing. Â The husband stated he respected that and even mentioned that it showed integrity on my part. Â Okay, now you know why I titled this post –Â Integrity in business and personal life.
What does this have to do with video? Â Nothing! Â Sometimes we just need to step back and know we are dealing with people. Â As I have told my Boy Scouts and students – adapt and modify. Â Thank you,
dw
Duane Weed is owner and producer/director at DW Video & Multimedia. Â He can be reached at 231-937-5420.
Integrity in business and personal life.  Who am I to talk about this topic.  I do not have a PhD or have a masters in Psychology (the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.).  There is a believe system.  Knowing the difference between right and wrong and over time how to deal more with people and know the importance of integrity in business and personal life.