The Importance of Attention to Detail: Lessons from a Wedding Snack Mishap

Hey there! Today, I've got an extraordinary story to share with you that unfolded just a few days ago. You're going to be astonished by it, and I couldn't wait to tell my family. We were celebrating my husband's birthday, and my brother couldn't help but ask, "Is this a dream or did this actually happen?" Well, it did happen, and it left me pondering some crucial lessons about managing people and running a business.

A Curious Saturday Night

Let's rewind to a Saturday night when I found myself at a wedding. All was going well until the caterers dropped a bombshell – they couldn't serve the late-night snack. I was puzzled by this sudden turn of events. After all, the late-night snack was crucial, not only because the couple had paid for it, but also because they'd experienced issues with their previous caterer. This was their second attempt, and they were understandably anxious. So why couldn't they serve the snack?

The caterers explained that they'd sampled the snack, and their tongues felt like they were on fire. I couldn't fathom it. I mean, it was just soft-baked pretzels with salt, and salt isn't supposed to burn your tongue, right? As they spoke, I noticed their mouths – they were unnaturally red, more like a crimson hue than a normal tongue. I had to ask, "Could you stick out your tongue?"

What I saw left me stunned. Their tongues bore signs of a chemical burn, a crazy red mark that looked like something out of a science fiction movie. They explained how they'd sprinkled the salt on the pretzels, tasted it, and immediately spat them out due to the burning sensation. They didn't swallow, but their tongues hurt terribly. It was apparent we needed to address this issue immediately.

A Burnt Nose and Swollen Lips

We rushed to offer them water and ice to soothe their pain, but their tongues remained red and sore. Then things took a stranger turn – one of the caterers had some of the "salt" touch their nose, which instantly turned red. Another had it on their lips, and their lip swelled to twice its size. The situation was getting bizarre and alarming.

The Salt That Wasn't Salt

The caterers showed me the "salt" in a small plastic container. It was labeled as salt, but it clearly wasn't. When they sprinkled it on the pan, it began to foam and react with the metal. I couldn't help but be grateful that they tested it first, preventing potential harm to all the guests. I couldn't help but wonder how this mix-up had occurred.

What Does This Have to Do with Managing People?

You might be wondering what this unusual story has to do with managing people. While I'm not the manager of these caterers, I couldn't help but analyze the situation and draw some lessons that can be applied in the business world.

The Role of Clear Values

One of the glaring issues in this scenario seemed to be a lack of clear values within their business. In my own company, Privet, our primary value is quality. If something isn't up to our standards, we redo it, no matter the effort required. The same principle should apply to these caterers. If their values had emphasized quality and attention to detail, someone might have questioned the questionable "salt."

Hiring People with Attention to Detail

Another issue might be the kind of people they're hiring. It's essential to hire individuals who pay attention to detail. This can start with your job application process. In my company, I include a subtle test in the job description. I ask applicants to email me their favorite flower. It may seem unrelated, but it ensures they've read the job description carefully.

Being attentive to detail should also be evident in their hiring process. Applicants who don't arrive on time, dress inappropriately, or fail to follow instructions are showing a lack of attention to detail. These details can speak volumes about a person's suitability for the job.

Secret Questions and Tests

Adding secret questions or small tests in your hiring process can help identify candidates with attention to detail. For instance, you can ask applicants to send their application in a specific format or respond to an unconventional question. It's a simple way to filter out those who aren't genuinely invested in the position.

Preaching Your Core Values

You should have core values in your business that are consistently preached and implemented. This helps employees understand the importance of qualities like attention to detail. At Privet, we make our core values a central part of our culture, and they're reinforced at every level of the company.

Attention to Detail: A Preventative Measure

Attention to detail isn't just a desirable trait; it's a preventive measure. If the caterers had held these values and implemented them in their company culture, this mishap could have been avoided. When employees are genuinely aligned with your core values, they'll naturally avoid mistakes that might harm your business.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, a bizarre tale of burning tongues and a deep dive into the role of attention to detail in business management. I hope this story has shed light on the importance of clear values, careful hiring, and core values in preventing such mishaps. If you're experiencing business problems or need solutions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram, and I might just make a podcast about it. Until next time, keep those pretzels salty and chemical-free!

Note from the Author

This strange incident made me reflect on the importance of attention to detail in business, and I hope it's a reminder for all of us to value this essential trait. If you've encountered similar or other business issues and need insights, don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we can tackle your challenges and continue learning and growing in the world of business.