A Great Audience

A Great Audience


My definition of a great audience is one in which everyone listens to the speaker - really listens. No one talks to the person in the seat next to them, squirms in their chair, looks at their watch, or checks their cell phones. I had the distinct pleasure of talking with such an audience on May 25th. My subject was the Perception Of A Difference. The occasion was the regular Friday morning staff meeting at a Wells Fargo Bank branch.

I met the Branch Manager at a North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce mixer. She is sincerely friendly and exudes enthusiasm and she rides a Harley. I told her about my book, and she decided to buy one. I delivered it to her at the branch and observed her team in operation while waiting for her to be available. As I signed her book we discussed the possibility of me presenting to her team. Two weeks later I dropped into give her a description of what I thought would best benefit her team. She was not in so I asked that my package be place on her desk. This led to another book sale and gave me another opportunity to observe the operation.

I was impressed with the positive perception that formed in my mind on both visits. The staff clearly likes their work, their peers and their customers. The manager transmits the same message. She wanted them to know they were creating positive perceptions, how they were doing it, and why it is so important.

They brought out the best in me and showed their appreciation for the effort. The manager told me later that they were still talking about it hours later. A very satisfying twenty-five minutes for all of us.

They make a difference in their business, and with their customers. They also made a difference to me.

Wes