DESIGNER STORY: Secret Of A Happy Job - P2

But the truth is, there was not any surprising thing happened. Like every time before when I designed a maquette, I looked for models, inserted the company logo then done. I sent it to Mimi. 

The result could be guessed by looking at Mimi when she entered the marketing room next day. The customer did not like the product at all. She came to me and said:

- Erick, I told the customer that our products are always more creative than others. We will design followed their requirement, that’s our particular strength and they also really trust our creative ability. So can you please invest more time on the product?

She said like she has been hiding this for so long. But when I listened, I did not feel ashamed anymore but challenging instead: “A hard company? Ok, I will satisfy you”.

Immediately, I opened a new file and started again. Firstly, I looked for a very convincing reason for the main idea, found and drew carefully every sketch like I usually did for my company’s products. 

And the next day, of course, Mimi’s emotion has changed completely. The customer has accepted our maquette and signed the contract. I was so much happy. Looking at Mimi, so was she, but seemed a bit different. She was happy not because of getting the contract, I knew it was not the highest value contract she’s got so far. That was because she has brought the best service to her customer, built up more reputation for Saxa. She has happy because she has devoted her best to Saxa’s customers.

“Ting ting”

Mi sent me a Thank you message from the customer because we have help them pick a suitable gift. The shame once again ran around my mind. Why did I usually under evaluate the products when I could do better? Why did I think that taking care and serving customers are Sales Executives' responsibility? 

While Saxa’s mindset is always to bring happiness to our customers, I had gone to opposite side.

Thinking about how my teammates were happy, how customers were proud of having a suitable product for their event, how much the gift receivers enjoyed when they received a beautiful gift, I knew that I was wrong. It turned out that happiness no need to come from making remarkable brand designs, from making perfect prints. A happy job simply is to create the beauty and bring joy to others. And that is not made for myself or for satisfying my hobby. That must be the beauty from devotion to serve.

Since then, I always remind myself that every maquette I send to Sales has to bring a smile when they come back. The happiness is the success of my job. 

… 
Share from Mimi: When I send maquette requirement to Erick, he usually acts like he grumbles but silently does his best, keeps the deadline promise no matter how busy he is. Moreover, sometimes he gives me more options of what he feels the maquette should be and the customers usually like the creative ideas. I am very assured when Erick supports me in every maquette.

Erick – Designer 

Quoted from Saxa Grow Up Handbook, 01.12.2016