quote: Brad Miller

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Other than getting him laid

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O my Gawd!! His initials aren't RG by any chance
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-04-2007, 04:26 PM:
 
shoot Mike, with a kid with that kind of personality, he could be a great leader someday being that his monotone appearance can make people feel confortable and relaxed as if there is control and organization due to extreme confidence that he is expressing.

Basically, he's gonna be his own person and it's obvious that nobody is gonna take that away from him.

Don't lose him - you got a winner there.

-Monte
 

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Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 08-04-2007, 04:42 PM:
 

quote: Mike Blakesley

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we thought it was just shyness and he'd come out of his "shell" once he got more comfortable in the job. But, it's just not happening.

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quote: Grand-Poopie-BAH

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Other than getting him laid...

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Gosh Brad, that's sounds like something I'd say!

quote: Mike Heenan

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...he's on the quiet side...I used to be that way and still am in some situations.

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Yeah right, Mike H. You expect us to believe that hogwash? You certainly have tossed caution to the wind as you came out of your shell and are REALLY Far Out there now...so to speak.

Since Mike B. is in the film exhibition biz and his employees deal with the general public, it is important that all people in contact with the "customers" present a positive and upbeat demeanor.

To me, even though he may consider his employees part of his "family", in reality they are not. It seems like it's not Mike's calling in life to be a "daddy", nursemaid, or psychiatrist to his employees, but to run his business in a successful way. Sometimes that involves "painful" decisions and actions.

It seems the kid is shy or insecure or is unsure of himself. Perhaps he would do better in a position not dealing directly with the public.
 

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Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 08-04-2007, 09:19 PM:
 
I agree with Phil; Disney knows that the people who handle the public are, in fact, actors's too.

It is his JOB to assure that the public he serves is affected positively. To do so he needs to leave his "quiet self" behind and "act out" a sincere positive attitude. His failure to do so after awhile means termination. Louis
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-04-2007, 10:05 PM:
 
I dunno Louis...I don't think terminating the kid is the answer. I think that should be a last resort. The kid deserves a fair shot at a job that he's capable of handling. Ya know, "the right person for the right job."

Don't know his age, but being fired as a young man for being "a bore" would probably emotionally scar him for life...how sad.

Mike's 1st responsibility is to his family... himself, his wife, and his kids, and his biz. The welfare of his employees, while important , should not outweigh his responsibility to his "real" family.

It's easy for me to arm-chair Mike's dilemma and give "what-ifs", but in general, I think the kid deserves a break and be offered a position "behind-the-scenes" with no contact with the patrons.. at least until he gets his social skills up to par.

Just my 2-cents.
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 08-04-2007, 11:42 PM:
 
Well to answer the above questions - he's been with us about 3 months, so still fairly new on the job.

As for scheduling him with the more upbeat people -- we've done that, in fact almost exclusively since he started, for exactly that reason...hoping some of the bubbly would rub off. I do hope the problem is mostly shyness and "fear of goofing something up." Once the kids realize that they won't get killed for making some small goof, they tend to loosen up. And, must remember this kid is a sophomore in high school and probably still finding his personality, so to speak.

As to his family - we know them well, they are all great people. They live just up the street from us. The dad, especially has a great work ethic and he is passing it on to his kids.

Thanks all for the suggestions.
 

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 08-04-2007, 11:54 PM:
 
You could always set an example by planning something with another employee for them to "screw up" and show this kid that you won't castrate them for it. Just be careful to not overdo it or he could end up as a slacker.
 

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 08-05-2007, 01:52 AM:
 

quote:

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He's a great kid, a good worker, prompt, reliable,

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and you want MORE? Hey, why not train him for the booth? Then like the rest of us, he can be locked away in a room, never allowed to be seen by the public and all you need to do every now and then is throw a piece of raw meat through the door.

But seriously, if he is not messing up and a conscientious worker (and you get him for minimum wage too boot), as others have said, either coach him specifically for dealing with customers and if that doesn't work, move him. Thing is, coaching him could backfire. Ever see what happens when someone who is naturally shy tries tried to force a peppy Kelly Rippa personality? All of a sudden you've got these weird forced smiles and an uncomfortable demeanor that can look downright scary to the customers. Hey, if he were mute, you wouldn't fire him -- you would just treat it as a handicap and let the damn public deal with it.

Believe me, I would much rather have someone who never winds up short at closeout than some perky idiot who smiles and does energetic small-talk but winds up costing me a vacation at the end of the year because he screws up the cash register on a daily basis.

And you know what? The public doesn't need a sit-com personality behind the counter just to buy some coke and popcorn. You won't loose sales because he's not a gabber; they'll stuff their faces no matter who is selling as long as he's not rude. No one has complained, yet right? Hey, they buy stuff from vending machines, don't they?

Then there's Brad's most excellent suggestion -- the all-powerful get him laid prescription. More than likely it will work wonders. Cautionary note tho -- it might take mulitple doses.

And in that same vein, if you know he is "interested" in one of your female employees, you might suggest to her that she be the one to have a sweet talk with him. Let her be his "mentor;" suggest she encourage him to be more outgoing with the customers. You'd be surprised what a dude will do if he thinks it will please a female of his liking. The PROSPECT of getting laid may be a more powerful incentive than actually getting laid (hmmmm....I take that back; it sounds good, but we all know that when you're 17, that's pretty much a load of crap)
 

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Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 08-05-2007, 03:21 AM:
 
While I see where Frank is coming from, I think it is wrong for you to purposely use both the guy and the girl like that.

And it could backfire in many ways. HS kids and their "love lives" have tons of drama which can effect things at work, especially if you're choosing to play with it.
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-05-2007, 04:21 AM:
 
Hmm..soph in high school, prob first job ... dang, I'd be shy as well adjusting to the outside world.

And, since he's "under two microscopes" since: 1) his folks know's the Blakeley's, that's just more pressure that he's under, and 2) under his dad's work ethics as well - to keep up those standards.

Ya, leave him alone..he'll come around and do good.Prob by the time he's gets to 17 and gets infected by that horrible disease called "senioritis", he'll prob turn around and be the biggest blabbermouth and has developed that personality and attitude that most seniors develop.
 

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Posted by Sam Graham (Member # 2889) on 08-05-2007, 07:19 PM:
 
Tell him to move to Des Moines and apply to work at a multiplex here.

He'll fit right in.
 

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Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 08-06-2007, 07:34 PM:
 
Sam, LOL!

FWIW, I'm not sure I buy the "it's just the way he is" bit. More like, it's the way he chooses to be. Because I'll bet if he was on fire, you'd hear a great tonal range and vocal emphasis!

The one time I was ever a theatre manager, I had but two cardinal rules for my employees:

"1) No one shall enter the food prep or customer service areas without first stopping at the hand sink and washing their hands." I don't care if they just went through the door to see what time it was, if they went back out they had to wash their hands.

"2) I want to see SMILES on everyone's faces when dealing with customers."

So, Mike... in your situation, if you instituted such a policy and the kid continued to ignore the directive, disciplinary action would be called for. Seriously, your customers (and the impression left in their minds) are at stake. Unless they have nerve damage, everyone can at LEAST smile. He may not have good or pleasant interpersonal skills, but don't let him shirk smiling! As they used to tell us in personality radio, SMILE when speaking. The audience can hear it in your delivery. That's true.
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 08-07-2007, 12:17 AM:
 
I do always tell the kids to LOOK AT the person they are talking to. When they do that it helps the smile to come out.
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-07-2007, 10:13 AM:
 
Mike,

No doubt that if you convinced Speedway to get crinkle cut fries he'd open up and have something to talk about!!

Mark
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 08-07-2007, 11:43 AM:
 
Mark - Next time you service the Hardin MT theatre, eat at the Purple Cow. They have the crinkle fries. No luck yet at the Speedway though!
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-07-2007, 12:19 PM:
 
Thanks Mike! Being a crinkle fry addict I will definately check that place out.

Mark
 

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Posted by Luci Reeve (Member # 3651) on 08-09-2007, 11:20 AM:
 
Mike, have you spoken to the parents? How is he around the house? When I first started reading I suspected the kid might have a hearing problem. Parents, in my world, are usually so grateful the kid has a job that they will work with me on issues.
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 08-09-2007, 11:43 AM:
 

quote: Luci Reeve

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Mike, have you spoken to the parents?

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quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

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now look at me...

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I think Mike's trying to get him to come out of his shell!
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-09-2007, 11:37 PM:
 

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

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I actually used to be sort of like this guy...

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That's gotta be the biggest line of horseshit I've heard here in a long time...!!!
 

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Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 08-10-2007, 02:24 PM:
 
I was more shy than Mark! Louis
 

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Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 08-10-2007, 07:48 PM:
 
That's hilarious Louis, you ever shy.
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-14-2007, 07:21 PM:
 

quote:

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That's gotta be the biggest line of horseshit I've heard here in a long time...!!!

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Naw... In grade school and Jr. High I was real shy.... Not any more... Now the likes of me comes with every Super Highlite Console! I just hope The likes of me doesn't get too dry and burn't up like the wiring in them eventually does.... .

Believe me...
Louis is definately NOT shy!! Hard to believe he ever was... HE talked more than anyone else at the last Dolby Seminar .

Mark
 

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Posted by Troy Hilsman Powell (Member # 4326) on 08-14-2007, 08:00 PM:
 
I had the same problem at work back in 1991 when I was operating the booth for litchtfield cinemas and he was the same way.He was good management material and now he runs his own theatre.Some people at first are just not a people person,they are a business person.But they find out along the way,which helps the company.
 

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Posted by Joel N. Weber II (Member # 3530) on 08-18-2007, 09:31 AM:
 

quote: Phil Hill

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I dunno Louis...I don't think terminating the kid is the answer. I think that should be a last resort. The kid deserves a fair shot at a job that he's capable of handling. Ya know, "the right person for the right job."

Don't know his age, but being fired as a young man for being "a bore" would probably emotionally scar him for life...how sad.

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quote: Frank Angel

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Then there's Brad's most excellent suggestion -- the all-powerful get him laid prescription. More than likely it will work wonders. Cautionary note tho -- it might take mulitple doses.

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