Episode 112

full
Published on:

6th Dec 2023

Professionalism...And Maybe a Movie Reference [E112]

Recently, Matt and his wife, Danielle, embarked on a kitchen renovation journey. Danielle, like many customers, feared being taken advantage of during the process. These concerns may seem illogical to some, but the fear of not getting our money's worth is real and relatable.

While listening to Danielle's worries, Matt was reminded of the movie "My Fair Lady." The character is willing to pay a shilling to learn how to speak eloquently. While a shilling may be insignificant to some, it represents a significant portion of the character's financial worth. It's all about understanding what services or products mean to different individuals.

This extends to the automotive industry - empathy and understanding toward customers' financial situations is crucial. Clear communication and setting realistic expectations are key. As professionals, let's strive to not just under-promise and over-deliver, but align expectations with the actual outcome. 

Show Notes

  • Professionalism and the Kitchen Renovation (00:00:11) The topic of professionalism and shares his wife, Danielle, has anxiety and fear about their kitchen renovation project.
  • Issues with Cabinet Alignment (00:02:14) A gap in the cabinet alignment caused by the placement of the microwave and how they addressed the issue with the company.
  • Anxiety about the Garbage Receptacle (00:05:32) Danielle's worry about not receiving the garbage cans with the sliding garbage receptacle and her fear of not getting value for the money spent.
  • The shilling is a high percentage of her worth (00:08:51) Discussion about the value of a shilling to different individuals and the importance of understanding financial worth with reference to "My Fair Lady."
  • Setting realistic expectations in kitchen renovations and vehicle repairs (00:11:00) The importance of setting realistic expectations in both kitchen renovations and vehicle repairs, and the potential challenges that may arise.
  • Lack of Professionalism and Empathy (00:26:21) Exploring the importance of being empathetic towards customers and delivering a professional level of service.
  • Building Reputation and Demonstrating Quality (00:27:18) Highlighting the significance of small gestures, such as returning the vehicle in good condition, building a positive reputation, and demonstrating the quality of service provided.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com

Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/


Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Automotive Field Theory

About the Podcast

Automotive Field Theory
From Automotive Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health
Automotive Field Theory explores the forces that shape automotive repair, including the ones measured with a meter or oscilloscope and the ones that cannot be found on a wiring diagram.

Hosted by automotive diagnostic specialist, shop manager, and instructor Matt Fanslow, the podcast begins in the automotive aftermarket but rarely stays inside its traditional boundaries. Diagnostics, electricity, technology, leadership, psychology, economics, game theory, history, music, movies, family, and human behavior may appear unrelated. Look closely enough, however, and connections begin to emerge.

A vehicle may arrive with a technical fault, but the work surrounding it is rarely technical alone.

Information is incomplete.

People make decisions under pressure and uncertainty. Incentives shape behavior. Standards gradually drift. Good intentions produce unexpected results. The official process may say one thing while the system quietly rewards another.

Automotive Field Theory is an attempt to understand those interactions.

Drawing from real diagnostic work, shop management, industry conversations, personal experience, and an occasionally inconvenient level of curiosity, Matt examines not only how things work, but why they work that way, how they became what they are, and what apparently unrelated subjects might teach us about repairing vehicles, leading people, running businesses, and improving the automotive industry.

Some episodes begin with a failed component. Others begin with Metallica, quantum physics, professional wrestling, a historical disaster, a round of golf, or a question that refuses to leave Matt alone.

Eventually, they all enter the same field.