Truth be told whenever I watch American Idol I often find myself thinking like Simon Cowell when the words he speaks come forth from his gob in his critique of the contestants. If you search your heart you may admit that Simon is pretty right on in his assessment of many of these folks and as a industry expert he should know a good from poor singer. However I would never in a million years say some of the things he does in the hurtful manner in which he says it.
Yes, Simon's scathing remarks and harsh constructive criticism make for good TV, but I would never want to offend or intentionally hurt a client.
Now Paula Abdul is consistently sweet and gushy in her praise for various contestants, however she delivers her critiques with the gentle hand of compassion and understanding, not the iron mallet of Mr. Cowell. Often times however I think that feelings of the contestants override her constructive judgement. After all they are there not only to perform but to learn how they can improve and become the next American Idol. A soft hand in these situations and competitions is not what they need, but her gentle manner and kind heart are much appreciated I'm sure by the deer in the headlights Idol wannabes.
We could all use a little Paula compassion in our home staging consulting strategy but we need to also give feedback that can be used to improve upon.
Randy Jackson is a funny one. I can't always tell what he's going to do or say. He seems to assess Simon and Paula's reactions and then combines them in with his own take. He's literally funny, engaging and entertaining - I have yet to grow tired of him saying "daaawg" to the contestants. Randy has stayed back in terms of how he is featured on the show but what he says also makes for good critique but turns it towards himself and personal tastes at times with the phrase, "it's just not gonna do it for me dawg".
Good natured Randy humor always lightens the mood and gets conversation going however make sure it's about the success of the sale, not what we personally like.
(Sorry new judge I don't know enough about you yet)
Well this brings me back to the topic of this blog, Home Stagers which one are you?
When you visit a client and make a home staging assessment on their home do you
- Go in no holes barred and make them cry with the results like Simon?
- Hold their hand, even cry with them in each room and gently tell them (not wanting to hurt their feelings) what they can to do to make their home look its best possibly like Paula?
- Approach the situation in a joking and entertaining manner & let them know they have to get rid of the "dawgs!" ala Randy?
OR
Are you a good combination of all 3?
- Are you able to assess the situation like an industry expert?
- Can you handle a few tears and laughs along the way while not hurting your client's feelings?
- Do you give your clients what they need to improve the house and move on to be the
Home Star Staging brings the combination of expertise, compassion and even some fun to the American Home Seller in North Texas. Will the next one be you?
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What a great topic for a Friday, Karen!
Even before reading your blog - I knew I was a Randy.
My consultation 'style', for lack of a better word: I always insits on a nickel tour before the consult starts - that way I can see the big picture and start picking my battles. While the owner talks, I smile and nod, say "neat..." or "nice...", or "great room..." all the while creating my mental list.
Then at the end of the tour: This is what is not going to work or what we need to change. And here's why. [Sorry, dawg].