Oct 06, 2015

I was participating in an online discussion today regarding hypnosis show volunteers.

A hypnotist had been hired to do his show at a company party for salespeople. A few days prior to the show the hypnotist received an email from the sales manager stating that there were already 10 volunteers lined-up. Since it's sometimes difficult to get people to volunteer for shows, the hypnotist was very pleased.

As it turned out, the "volunteers" had been "volunteered" by the sales manager. He actually said to the 10, "Get up on stage, it's mandatory!" 

Needless to say, the show wasn't what it could have been had the participants volunteered on their own. They were nervous and unsure, as they were on stage before the show started. Had they been given time to feel comfortable rapport with the hypnotist, several of the 10 probably would have volunteered on their own, making the show a winner. Instead, the show was not what it could have been, thanks to the sales manager.

Let your people know in advance that a hypnotist will be there, and that volunteering will be, well, voluntary. Set things up for the best show possible, and for your staff to have the best time possible.

Side note: A "sales manager" who can only get volunteers by making volunteering mandatory isn't, in my opinion, much of a salesperson.

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