Serving Two Masters

Who do you choose - the customer or your boss?

Especially if your boss is holding a sniper rifle to your head.

I’ve worked at companies in which the goal was to make the sale to the customer. To make that sale of your product, even if your product was not the best option for the client.?

There was only so much you could tell the client about the best options for the client - even if there were other products out there which would work better for what the client was trying to do.?

So…. the sales person is left with a choice: make the sale of your company’s product to the client, or tell the client about another product that might better suit their needs.

And risk getting fired.

Not much of a choice, is it?

Throughout my 25 years in the technology consulting industry, I've had the privilege of collaborating with countless dedicated, hard-working individuals. It's been an enriching journey, filled with opportunities to learn and grow. However, one dilemma that seems to persist across various fields is the age-old question: do you prioritize the needs of the customer or those of your employer?

In many companies, workers find themselves caught between serving two masters. On one hand, there's the desire to provide exceptional service and support to the customer, ensuring their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. On the other hand, there's the obligation to fulfill the goals and objectives set forth by the employer, often driven by factors such as profitability, efficiency, and organizational priorities.

Unfortunately, this dichotomy can sometimes lead to conflicting interests and ethical dilemmas. Workers may face situations where the best course of action for the customer may not align with the best interests of the employer, or vice versa.

So, how should workers navigate this complex terrain?

In my experience, the key lies in finding a balance—a delicate equilibrium between serving both the customer and the employer to the best of one's ability. It requires a nuanced approach, grounded in honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing what's right.

I suppose communication is paramount. Workers should strive to maintain an open dialogue with both customers and employers, seeking to understand their needs and concerns while also advocating for ethical practices and fair treatment.

Of course, as a practical matter, all of that is easier said than done. Some employees almost always side with the customer. Many of those employees, however, find themselves looking for new jobs.?

There Is a Better Way

At Bridgepointe, we found a better way. 22 years of experience and 12,000 enterprise customers prove that point. Our team of professionals provides their unbiased insight so that customers get the technology best suited for their business model.

After over 25 years in the technology sales field, Peter Reiss recently joined Bridgepointe Technologies as a partner. Bridgepoint is America’s leading tech advisory firm. It offers the strategy, solutions and support you need to help future-ready your company. As a Bridgepointe client, you’ll be supported by our world-class team of tech strategists, along with our highly experienced engineering, procurement, implementation, and expense management professionals.

With relationships with close to 200 suppliers nationwide, Bridgepointe can offer you tech solutions at affordable prices.?

Every member of our team is committed to helping you drive tangible ROI from your tech investments from day one.?

If interested, you can call Peter at 602 430 9506. You can also email him or get on his calendar.?