How to handle stress at CUSTOMER SERVICE JOB?
Asked by Basic
Hello, I heard that you may have health issues dealing with all the stress from a customer service job. I've been stressing out lately dealing with most difficult and angry customers, however its a job and it gives me a paycheck. I want to punch some of the nasty customers. How would I handle this? What do you guys do? I work in Retail Customer Service and the customers here LIE THROUGH THERE TEETH along with being pushy and rude. I just want to put them in there place. I should smile more =).

Best Answer:
Take a deep breath, put yourself in their shoes and realize that they're coming to you because they need your help. Show some empathy with a comment like "I understand how (fill in the blank) that would be. Let me see what I can do to fix this for you." may defuse some of their anger. To survive any Customer Service position you've got to be neutral at all times. Be the professional you are and look for solutions. When in doubt, call a colleague/manager. If it's a really bad situation, hand it off to to a colleague and watch how they deal with it.

Be thankful that (1) you are employed and (2) not 100% of the customers are the rude & nasty kind...smile as often as you can :}
Answered by not 2 B fooled

Some strategies: 1) use a complete DETACHMENT, consider that if they angry it's not against YOU, it's not your fault, you're hearing these annoying words only because you're there. 2) put yourself completly in their mind, when you understand other's point of view it's really easier to stay calm and relaxed 3) learn some PNL tecnics. when a customer is angry, try to imagine him with a red noose and a stupid hat, think of him/her naked, or with an alien body... anything that can make you laught :D have a nice day ;-)
Answered by http://www.isell86400seconds.com

Remember why customer service jobs exist. Customers need attention for a variety of reasons. Some do not know any better and need information. Others have a complaint and need to know that someone cares. Think about how you would feel if you called a company and the customer service person treated you coldly. Others may have a problem with the product or service your company provides. All they are looking for is someone to help them. Remember without customers your company will not have the means to earn the money they will need to pay your wages. Some of the others who responded to your question before me are taking the shortsighted view about what customer service work is all about. If you treat everyone like friends you will end up with many of them at the end of the day..... That is all I have to contribute to your question.
Answered by lynn c