December 20, 2008

Hero To Zero: Why Satisfaction is Relative

There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying upon you; no greater satisfaction than to vindicate his expectation.
---
Kingman Brewster

How quick from hero to zero.

On Friday, Toronto faced the first major snowstorm of the season. Schools and offices were open. Public transportation kept the city running. Streets were plowed well enough that no cars got stuck near us. I had three meetings but they were rescheduled. So I worked from home.

I've been waiting for a parcel from the US and thought delivery would be delayed to Monday, the next business day. I checked the courier's website and saw they were committed to making the delivery even if this meant at night. Impressive!

Around 2:30 pm, Canada Post delivered mail. A few minutes later, Purolator delivered two parcels. Both were several hours late, but this was understandable. I was sure the other courier would arrive too. I checked the delivery status that evening:
  • 3:17 pm: Emergency Conditions Beyond Our Control
  • 5:19 pm: In-Transit Scan
?!? Would they come on Saturday? No.
How about Sunday? No ... but another package arrived.

Delivery has been rescheduled for Monday. Here's the funny part. On Friday morning, I would have been happy with a Monday delivery. Now I'm disappointed because of the
  • two deliveries on Friday
  • one delivery on Sunday
Satisfaction is relative. Right now, snow is falling heavily. Let's see what happens tomorrow.

This is my last post of 2008. Thank you, dear readers, for your precious attention.

All the best to you and yours during the holidays.
May your 2009 be really fine!

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