Ink Spot Gone
People keep asking me, “What did you do about your flaw—the ink spot on your new white dress shirt?” Some people figured I threw away the stained dress shirt. Others thought I should keep it as a reminder to always stick to my values.
So what happened to that stained white dress shirt anyway? How did that story end? What did I do next?
You’ll Never Believe What Really Happened
After Grady was courageous enough to warn me of my ridiculous predicament, he made me an offer: “Hey Doug, I can see that is a new, white dress shirt. Bring it by my car after this meeting, and I will take it to my dry-cleaning shop tonight. I will have it back to you in the morning, spot-free.”
I was uncomfortable handing over my dress shirt and driving home in just my T-shirt, but I did as Grady suggested. Sure enough, the next morning, my crisp, white dress shirt was hanging in a clear plastic dry cleaner bag, and the ink spot was gone!
Grady saved my shirt, but he did much more for me. I learned that by allowing somebody else to help me, I gave him a chance to shine. And I learned that by being a little vulnerable, I can improve too. My vulnerability actually helped somebody else and me in the process. Now that’s what I call a win-win!
Additional Lesson
Don’t let this example of excellent customer service go unheard. Grady earned my loyalty. I will never take my shirts anywhere except Grady Golden’s Hygienic Dry Cleaners.
Doug Sterbenz
