My 6th period of consulting in Mexico, May 1997.
Only being my 2nd day on the job as consultant, I got involved in solving a customer's dispute...
Trying to convince a disgruntled customer of our intention to grow, pick and ship top quality mushrooms...
Quite a language test!
Looking inside the truck at product that was refused; wrongly in my opinion because it was quite good.
Yes, we do have quality on the beds and harvesters are quite well being trained and educated.
The dispute has been settled.
Earned me a cup of coffee!
Yes, it was an impromptu Spanish practice but I've always loved this language and the people.
Manager Luis Astier next to me and Agustín one of the owners of Monteblanco.
Great friendships over the years and fond memories.
On Friday evening, three days later, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a well known fish restaurant in Mexico City where also was a kind of an antique bowling alley.
Agustín, one of the owners with his wife Carmen.
Related links:
Pleasant Environment in Mexico with Great Team | previous post
Consulting in Mexico Brought us Again to Mountainous Areas | previous post about this very farm
Customers often have complaints. Good customer care ensures their satisfaction all round.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Dearest Victor,
DeleteWell, they certainly do try at times but this got settled well.
Hugs,
Mariette
Congratulations on your feat of diplomacy, that's no easy thing, especially in another language. :-)
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteThank you and it sure was a challenge but it worked and my words and showing them the rooms with product on the beds was convincing.
This entire blog I also do in another language — not in my mother tongue...😜
Hugs,
Mariette
Yes, I realize English isn't your first language...You have an aptitude for languages, obviously! :-)
DeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteGuess inherited that from Heeroom who also spoke five languages and lived in Indonesia for some 30 years, after being a professor at the seminary first, then he studied Church Law in Rome etc. It is also the love for people...
Such a rich feeling for being able to communicte!
Hugs,
Mariette
communicate of course...
DeleteDearest Mariette....Although I don't comment a lot I do enjoy your memory posts. How lovely that you could solve a problem in the customer's language.
ReplyDeleteDearest Suzi,
DeleteThank you and yes, with determination and willpower we manage a lot more than what we initially think we can do.
Hugs,
Mariette
Well done solving the dispute Mariette, calm discussion is always better than angry words. Lots of big smiles here and all is well ✨
ReplyDeleteDearest Grace,
DeleteIf such challenges come your way it is best to approach it in a most calm way and by showing ones intentions to convince the other party.
Hugs,
Mariette
Well done on solving the dispute in the customer's language, I'm sure that also helped.
ReplyDeleteNice memories Mariette
Dearest Sami,
DeleteAlways tried to do the best I could and it often worked out. My Castilian Spanish proved to be sufficient for handling this.
Hugs,
Mariette
Wonderful Story And Beautiful Problem Solving Skills - Well Done
ReplyDeleteCheers
Dearest Travis,
DeleteBoth of us love people so the problem solving comes natural.
Hugs,
Mariette
Ahora me explico, con cuanta soltura te desenvuelves en mi lengua. tus comentarios me veien en un perfecto español.
ReplyDeleteBesos
Querida Antónia,
DeleteMuchas gracias, al menos me esfuerzo por mantenerlo!
Abrazos,
Mariette
I really admire you for being able to communicate and resolve a conflict in Spanish - wow! I wouldn't have a hope nor a prayer.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Mariette!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeleteThank you but that was my job and I've always had to speak the native tongue for being able to educate the harvesters and the post harvesting crew.
Management often spoke English so Pieter was far less exposed to the regional language.
Hugs,
Mariette
Another bloody good story
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteGlad you enjoyed this one too; more to follow!
Hugs,
Mariette