BUS272 TB

Chapter 2 Perception, Personality, and Emotions 37
atthew Corrin is CEO of Freshii, a rapidly
M
expanding chain of restaurants that feature
fresh ingredients from organic and
local farms. 1
After graduating from Western University
and interning in New York City for a few
years, Corrin started Freshii in Toronto. Today, the
company has more US than Canadian restaurants,
is headquartered in Chicago, and has expanded
into Austria, China, Colombia, Switzerland, and the
United Arab Emirates.
Corrin started Freshii from his parents’ house
when he was 23; now 32, he runs a company
whose annual revenues approach $100
million. His unusual personality may
explain much of his early and rapid
success. Corrin is known for
his outsized ambitions; in
fact, he intends to have 1000
restaurants in the next few years and wants to create a “global, iconic
brand” as ubiquitous as Starbucks. Asked to describe his philosophy in hiring
managers, Corrin commented, “Merely ‘good’ managers need not apply. You will
only fit into our organization if you’re a ‘super-achiever.’”
Corrin is also known for his hard-driving ways. He demands the best from others—
“failure is not an option,” he says—and is not afraid to do what it takes to succeed. He also
says: “I think the traditional restaurant mantra is, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ I think that
is just so old school. So our philosophy is build it and then guerilla market the hell out of it
to make them come.”
Corrin might be described as somewhat narcissistic. He expects those around him to
adapt to his personality. He also enjoys being the centre of attention and likes being recognized.
In fact, some might perceive him as a media hog. He loves rubbing elbows with celebrities:
Ryan Seacrest and Ashton Kutcher attended one of Freshii’s grand openings in New York.
All of our behaviour is somewhat shaped by our perceptions, personalities, emotions,
and experiences. In this chapter, we consider the role that perception plays in affecting the
way we see the world and the people around us. We also consider how personality characteristics
affect our attitudes toward people and situations. We then consider how emotions
shape many of our work-related behaviours.
THE BIG IDEA
Individual
differences can have
a large impact on
how groups and
organizations
function.
Tara Walton/The Toronto Star/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom
OB IS FOR EVERYONE
• What causes people to have different perceptions of the same situation?
• Can people be mistaken in their perceptions?
• Whom do you tend to blame when someone makes a mistake? Ever
wonder why?
• Have you ever misjudged a person? Do you know why?
• Can perception really affect outcomes?
• Are people born with their personalities?
• Ever wonder why the grocery clerk is always smiling?