The Opposite Effect--A Story about Bob

Have you ever observed a person who manifests the opposite effect than they intended by their human interactions? 

There is a man that I know who really wants to gain clients for his financial business.  I will refer to him as Bob and I have changed his name to protect the guilty.  Bob wants clients so bad that when he interacts with people he comes on way too strong.  In fact, people try to avoid him because he constantly talks about his big time clients, blah blah blah.  He also tries to push his financial consulting services any chance he gets. 

I picture Bob going to his best friend's wedding and towards the end of a toast dropping a short commercial about how successful his financial practice is. The sad part is he is actually a pretty smart guy when you talk to him---it is just difficult to look past his behavior. In fact, Bob is the one getting in the way of Bob's success. 

I recently talked to another person who knows Bob and I told him that I really feel compelled to let Bob know how he comes across.  I explained that I am a business owner and that if I was doing something that was impeding my success I would want someone to tell me so I can improve.  He told me that a while back he tried to tell Bob that he should tone it down a bit and he would probably get more business.  He explained that Bob reacted very negatively to this feedback and immediately and shut off to any feedback.  This saddened me more because I realize there is nothing anyone can do to help Bob until he is ready to listen. 

Comments

[Craig Harper]

Hey Amy,
Great Post!
There's an old saying.
"We see people as we are not as they are".
Until 'Bob' recognises that HE is the problem no-one will change his mind.
Keep up the great writing!