Buying fine chocolate has become a passion in our life.  Not pre-packaged chocolate, that would be too easy.  Chocolate by the pound! This has become the newest adventure in our everyday life. 

The saying goes that sporting events are sometimes known as "a game of inches".  Chocolate purchases have become our own 'Game of Fractions".  We only like to taste the candy so buying an entire pound is never necessary.  Instead, we prefer to purchase a "portion" of a pound which is more prudent both in regard to our budget, and our rate of consumption. 

Confidently we stride into the candy store, captured by the unique smell of fresh chocolate, and greeted cheerfully by the clerk behind the counter.  "How can we help you, today?  And then the clerk's worst nightmare begins...."We would like 1/3 of a pound of dark chocolate almond clusters, please".  Suddenly, it is like the clerk has seen a ghost.  Usually they become nervous, scrambling to determine what was just requested, and searching for answers that will satisfy us both.

We have been asked:

 How many pieces is that?
 Can you tell me when it is enough?
 Is that more or less than a pound?

We have been told:

 I will need some help with this request.
 I'm not so good with fractions.
 I am sorry, my manager may be able to help you further.

Now add the fact that these stores use a weighing scale with metric values, and, wow!, are we ever on an impossible mission!  It is a  humorous story. But because it is true it is not funny.  And it happens over and over again to us no matter which candy store we visit. These stores have prestigous reputations and have been in business for years.  But they take for granted that our educational system has prepared their employees for the basics needed in the operation of their business.

Do not take training for granted!  Train yourself, your employees, your colleagues, and your customers.  You know the desired outcome of your business efforts.  Be sure that everyone involved in your business process understands what is expected.  Take the time and sweat the details for your desired outcome, a smooth operation. After all, running a business can be a "game of inches" as well as a "game of fractions".  Make sure your people understand the fractions.

Don't get us started about cold cuts at the deli counter!  As always, we welcome your comments.

The Plain Page Prophets