Very Bad Week at Work - Page 5

c_la_vee · ‎03-11-2010

Don't know enough about your job, only that you're in customer service. The reading of the mind thing stems from a lack of understanding of the customer's requirements From sheer experience, over time you might be able to anticipate some of those things but a better approach would be to truly understand what it is they are looking for, anticipate what they might not have verbalized and ask questions.

You don't know what has let up to them coming to you, some people have legitimate issues, some people have had a bad day, some people lack communication skills, some people just like to fight, whatever it is, that is the nature of customer service.

You have to enjoy working in that kind of environment. I could never do it because my ego would get in the way, but some people flourish in that environment because they enjoy interacting with people and problem solving, they're like -bring it on!-.

Don't take it personally, don't internalize.

If you continue on in customer service, these are the realities you have to deal with so compose yourself and ready your mind and your expectations. Just like any job, custome service isn't for everyone, it's a specialty job, you have to want to be in there.

Tips would be, forget your pride, really listen to your client when they are unhappy, make sure they know you heard them, maintain your calm, don't talk back, don't give excuses (their ire will escalate if you do, it's the last thing they want to hear) empathize and go about fixing the problem and let it go.

Know you can't make everybody happy but it's your job to try!

Above it was mentioned that this is the ME people or something. Customer service is all about the me, it's all about the customer.

Nobody is going to go in and say -How are you today customer service person? Is there something I can do for you-? It's always been about the me factor.

The thing about going to the papers, I don't get. What you would expose? That you have bad customers?

Good luck in your job hunt!

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@DiscountDiva wrote:
I haven't posted often in this forum because of my job. It is soul-sucking. I don't want to get into too much detail but can any of you offer me any advice when it deals with customer service jobs. I have literally had to deal with people who think that I can read their mind. I mean maybe I should be flattered that they think I am a mind reader. This wouldn't be an issue if it didn't cause them to be so quarrelsome when I don't do things exactly like they expect. Because, hello, I cannot read your freaking mind! I just need to vent. And please wish me well because I am looking for a new job. I am so unhappy.

DD, I know nothing about your actual job or how much latitude you have to make things happen, so what follows is speculation as to what might be helpful.

However, in my past experience, the best thing to do with an upset person is to, first, NEUTRALIZE them .... by being empathetic and validating, and then get all the info "to see how we can possibly help you".

If they are demanding you do certain things, try to take back the power ... remember, they are asking a favor, whether they realize it or not.

Be extremely helpful ... but, to the best of your ability, stay in charge.

Kix · ‎09-02-2015

Discount Diva I wish you success in your job search, not a fun thing to have to do. I quit my job Oct. 9,2015, I loved the job but muscle spasms in back and abdomen were causing me unbearable pain. I will take early Social Security when I am 62 on Xmas Eve, thankful to have that.

Formerly Tatz

Venezia · ‎03-09-2010

@mstyrion 1 wrote:
@occasionalrain wrote:
Sorry. I have worked in customer service in the past and never had the issues you are having. Maybe I was lucky or maybe I just enjoyed my job and it showed.
_________________________________________________________

OR,
Maybe you never had a bad experience, but the undertone of your post is very insensitive to the OP. You seem to want to infer that she is somehow to blame for her unpleasant work place and that if she only "behaved herself" she would be happy like you were.

I've worked with the public all my life. It's one of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of any job out there. It can indeed wear you down.

Good luck, OP. I hope you can find a job that is not so toxic for you.

Well said! ITA. I also find it odd that a poster who has said (recently) that she doesn't like most people, would do well in any customer service position. How do you enjoy a job serving the public, when you don't like them? Hmmm.....

"" A little learning is a dangerous thing."-Alexander Pope

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

Not liking people has no relation to doing one's job well. An actor doesn't have to like their character to play the part convincingly.

Most people I know believe I do like them. What possible reason would there be to make them aware that I don't?

NC Bandwagon · ‎05-03-2014

Hello, DiscountDiva.

I'm sorry you're going through such stress. Hope it gets better for you.

~Nick Chavez is my favorite vendor on QVC and Alberti Popaj is my favorite QVC host.~
Nick Chavez now has his own sub-forum under the My Favorite Brand folder

Venezia · ‎03-09-2010

@occasionalrain wrote:
Not liking people has no relation to doing one's job well. An actor doesn't have to like their character to play the part convincingly.
Most people I know believe I do like them. What possible reason would there be to make them aware that I don't?

How sad for the people you know, thinking you actually like them. What possible reason? How about honesty and integrity? Not being a hypocrite?

As for it not affecting doing your job...yeah, right. Okay. If you say so.

Anyway, this thread isn't about our differing points of view. It was someone just needing to vent in a safe environment; not asking for judgmental comments, so let's leave it at that.

"" A little learning is a dangerous thing."-Alexander Pope

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

The OP asked for advice. Post 41 gave her excellent advice. I doubt she will take it. She is too invested in placing blame on others.

It is no one's business what I think of them just as it is none of my business what they think of me. A person's thoughts are private. There is nothing honorable about hurting another's feelings by dumping your negative thoughts concerning them on them.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

@occasionalrain wrote:
The OP asked for advice. Post 41 gave her excellent advice. I doubt she will take it. She is too invested in placing blame on others.

It is no one's business what I think of them just as it is none of my business what they think of me. A person's thoughts are private. There is nothing honorable about hurting another's feelings by dumping your negative thoughts concerning them on them.

You have been condescending and deliberately snarky with the OP since your first response. You have no idea what her job is like or what she does or does not do.

My advce to the OP is that she ignore your posts.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

Venezia · ‎03-09-2010

@Moonchilde wrote:
@occasionalrain wrote:
The OP asked for advice. Post 41 gave her excellent advice. I doubt she will take it. She is too invested in placing blame on others.

It is no one's business what I think of them just as it is none of my business what they think of me. A person's thoughts are private. There is nothing honorable about hurting another's feelings by dumping your negative thoughts concerning them on them.

You have been condescending and deliberately snarky with the OP since your first response. You have no idea what her job is like or what she does or does not do.

My advce to the OP is that she ignore your posts.

@Moonchilde - Good advice. (The thought "constant downpour" keeps coming to mind.)

"" A little learning is a dangerous thing."-Alexander Pope