How Well Does Your Perception Meet Reality?
Kevin F Clune, CLFP
What do the repair of our broken down steam boiler, the return of a former Clune customer, and the World Series win by the Kansas City Royals have in common with each other?
With the Thanksgiving Holiday looming, it is only appropriate to recognize that the first common thread is the gratitude felt for all of these occurrences. Heat in the winter, the return of the prodigal customer, and a World Series win are all good reasons to celebrate.
However, it occurred to me there might be an underlying element in all of these events that also make them similar to each other. The old boiler in our 100-year-old home was deemed to be beyond repair; customers who defect are difficult to win back; and the Kansas City Royals were the underdog team that were not expected to become World Series Champs.
Could it have been that all of these predictions were the result of misperceptions?
All of the supposed “experts” advised us to abandon our steam system and replace it with a forced air gas furnace. This option not only exceeded the cost of a new car, we also loved our moist heat. In desperation, we called our trusted plumber who had mentioned that he had the pipe fitting skills to service our archaic labyrinth of water pipes and radiators. Should we take a chance with him, we wondered?
I am thankful to report that he exceeded our expectations and actually brought the old boiler back to life for a fraction of the cost of the other options. We are enjoying that wonderful steam generated heat throughout our home.
Simultaneously, we learned that a former leasing customer who was lured to a competitor had decided to give Clune another opportunity. Evidently, they had discovered there were differences among leasing companies. Their Clune lease experience had served their needs well and was remembered as being favorable for them.
As for the Kansas City Royals, the story speaks for itself. When the playoff season began, they faced opponents who were favored by most of the expert pundits. With a budget that is a fraction of their competition, however, they had somehow assembled the talent that had the drive and the passion to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
In all of these examples, the perceptions about the skills of a plumber, the differences between leasing companies, and the ability of a scrappy baseball team to win it all, were all proven to be wrong.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we will be especially grateful for the warmth in our home, the affirmation that Clune & Company offers a valued service, and the thrill and pride of a World Series Championship.
May we exceed your expectations?
Kevin F. Clune, CLFP
Clune & Company
