The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]

I know … that probably sounds mad coming from me, especially given I was once described as someone who could start a fight in an empty house … but it’s true.

In fact, I believe there’s a way where you can deliver bad news that makes the recipient feel even more positively about you.

I remember when I lived in Sydney and bought a brand new VW Golf GTI.

Within 6 weeks, the turbo blew and the gear box collapsed.

In a carpark.

At the entrance.

Stopping all the cars behind me from being able to get in and forcing my car to be dragged out backwards [while stuck in first gear] because the tow-truck couldn’t get in front of it.

Obviously I wasn’t pleased about this, especially when the dealership said they would not lend me a car while mine was being repaired.

Pissed off, I sent as many variations of what I thought the global CEO of VW’s email would be, explaining that while I appreciate it wasn’t their policy to lend cars to customers, it wasn’t my policy to buy a new car that collapses in 6 weeks.

Within 48 hours, I was told my car had been fixed as VW had flown in a new gear box from Germany.

While I should not have had to deal with that situation, the [eventual] approach meant I felt an even greater loyalty to the brand than I may otherwise of had. Though this was before they admitted to emission scandals and gassing animals for ‘research’.

Now I appreciate there may be times where you want to deliver bad news in a way that leaves bad feelings … but the ability to use each challenging situation as an opportunity to build a better relationship is generally always there, which is why I love how comedian Steve Martin dealt with fan mail.