Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Week 1 blog post

In the early spring of 2015, Lauren was on the lookout for a new job. Something flexible, to fit her already busy schedule, and yet worth the inevitable hassle of working for someone else every day. Enter, Wilde Toyota. The largest Toyota dealership in Wisconsin, Wilde was looking for "appointment setters," someone to handle online and telephone inquiries about vehicles Wilde had listed for sale online.  The hours were flexible, the pay was decent and the commute was short. Perfect! (reconnaissance)

Within days, Lauren had applied, interviewed for and been offered the position of Appointment Setter. She has also spoken to several close friends and family members about the job she would soon start. Lauren's boyfriend is the most vocal critic of this new job. He had worked at a car dealership in the past and truly believes that no good can come of working for such "crooks."  (interdiction)

In spite of the warnings she receives, Lauren decides she must take advantage of the opportunity, given the many positives presented in the situation. (counteraction)

On her first day as an appointment setter Lauren meets Jim, head of the sales department. Jim leads Lauren to his glass-fronted office, offers her a beverage and begins the first training session. Lauren is diligently taking notes when Jim proclaims that "getting customers in the door is the most important part of the job." Lauren glances up from the notepad in her lap. "What if the vehicle the customer is looking for has been sold?" Without hesitation, Jim charged ahead. "Tell them it is. Get them in the door. It's my job as Sales Manager to get our customers into a vehicle; can't do that if they're not in the store. That's where you come in. Get the customers in the door and me and the sales team will do the rest." (struggle)

Lauren slowly shook her head in disagreement. "I can't do that. The customers calling in are doing so to ask about a specific car. I can't lie to people just so you can badger them into buying something they don't want." Jim spluttered, clearly shocked at Lauren's response and unable to form a coherent sentence. Rising from her chair, Lauren straightened her spine and spoke clear. " Thank you for the opportunity, Jim. But I'm afraid I cannot accept this position." And with that, Lauren turned on her heel and marched out of Jim's office. (resolution)


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