Optimize What?

The best hosts optimize the right stuff

Think about it.

You can’t optimize a classroom if you don’t take into account whether it’s a lecture or a lab. They both have different needs and goals.

The same can be said about eating out. The expectations and goals of a person going to a fine French restaurant are different than if they went to a deli.

You can’t truly optimize a person’s experience of something if you don’t consider the needs, goals, and expectations of the person.

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Enjoyment based on Expectations

Lets go back to eating out.

If I’m out to enjoy a night of fine dining, I’d like the food to be special, the atmosphere to be relaxed, and the pace to be easy going.

If I’m at the stadium along with 50,000 other fans, I’d like the food to be filling, the atmosphere electric, and the pace efficient.

If the staff at the restaurant tried to rush the food to my table and tried to get me out of there as quickly (and efficiently) as possible, I’d be livid.

If the vendor at the concession stand wanted to chat casually with every person on line before taking his or her order, I’d switch to a line that was moving!

What we want depends on the situation

It’s not that I want people in either situation to be rude or unpleasant, it’s just that the enjoyment of each event requires a different emphasis, it dictates the treatment.

In the fine dining example, the limited number of diners each wants to thoroughly enjoy a calm and relaxed meal. Efficiency is applauded, but not at a sense of hurry in an elegant environment.

In the public event example, the massive crowd wants to get in, enjoy the spectacle, and get out efficiently. Graceful interactions are wonderful, but not at a sense of sluggishness.

To optimize the experience in each situation, a different pace is required.

Take the perspective of your guest

So the next time you need to give a presentation, speak at a meeting, or even throw a party, keep in mind the needs, goals, and expectations of those attending. That’ll go a long way in helping you optimize their experience.