Chairman’s Message
What We Want Isn’t Always What We Need
by Don Seyfer, AAM An author of a recent article about the findings of a clean air commission wrote, "The industrial emissions of pollutants have been found to be 88 percent free of dangerous substances." His point was that the remaining 12 percent of industrial emissions was by no means a cause for concern as a health hazard. He might have said, "The industrial emissions of pollutants have been found to be 100 percent safe."
The way we say and write words can be interpreted several ways. Sometimes whole meanings change based on just a couple of words or punctuation marks. Believe it? Believe it! (See what I mean?)
Now factor in all the mind games that can influence effective communication. A common one you may recognize is people saying what we want to hear and not what we need to hear. Whether this happens because of good reasons or bad reasons, it is a fact of life. We can all think of examples of this.
Regardless of the reasons we play mind games, the "straight scoop" is usually needed to make good, logical decisions. And in our industry, logical decisions are vital to our business — in our communication with associates and customers.
Now here comes the sales pitch. As per long-range plans of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), information has to be accurate and easy to understand. A goal outlined in ASA’s strategic plan is to be members’ primary resource for business and technical education and knowledge. Plans are already underway to accomplish this from your national headquarters — and only the straight scoop will get the job done. As ASA looks to members about their needs, you’ll see new ways for you to access this information, such as CD-ROM, further on-line capabilities and video conferencing. It boils down to delivering what people need to hear, which is not always what people want to hear. As you read the strategic plan inserted in this issue, jot down your ideas. Let us know what you think. ASA needs the straight scoop from you, too, if we are to accomplish these goals.
Gotta go for now. I hope I’ve said a few things that you wanted and needed to hear.
ASA Main Page || AutoInc. Main Page
TechTips || Stat Corner || News Briefs || Directions
News Briefs Extra || Taking The Hill || More Info About AutoInc.
Chairman's Message || Tech To Tech
Guest Editorial || Diversifying Your Collision Shop || National VOC Rule Sparks Congressional Interest
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLIV No. 8, August 1996