Our multi-media instant information age has surpassed us in a few ways. We have become so used to having information and pretty much anything instantly, that people in some cases are becoming detatched from reality..... I am guilty like everyone else, I'd be a liar if I said it never happens to me, but I truly do try to be more patient with people. Also the use of cell phones and self-perceived importance factor into this... I hate to say it, but the larger and more powerful PDA device you have on your belt or if you grocery shop while talking through a Blue Tooth, I am guilty of mistaking you for a boorish, self serving prick.... in some cases I'm right, other's I'm jumping to conclusions. The few times I have been right, the person in question was SO RUDE to the cashier, that I felt that I NEEDED to say something to them.
2007-02-11 16:34:41
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answer #1
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answered by Porterhouse 5
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Keep an eye on your station at all times. If you are stocking shelves and you must look away a lot of the time - it's best to maybe leave a sign for the customer to see that says where it is you are. "IF" you are within a distance that you could "perhaps" offer a low low shout "I'm (so and so) If I can be of any assistance - let me know" type of acknowledgment. helps too.
People, in general, are tired of going places that are short staffed (which is basically every place) so they will have their usual "look of disgust" like it's "typical".
If you have a really hard time seeing them standing there waiting - ask your manager if they can supply a bell for the customer to ring - if they can not - say you will pay for one "if" they will let you use one - it's worth the money - I'd rather pay for a bell - then to constantly have to approach a sour look on a customers face - time and time again. That way you can relax more doing what it is you are doing and waiting to hear the bell is better then the neck ache or the anxiety of not knowing if someone is there waiting.
2007-02-11 20:54:27
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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I'm sorry this happens to you. People don't get much respect who work entry level jobs, just ask any clerk or food service worker.
You are a better person, for what it's worth, for going through this experience, especially if you are young. It will teach you empathy for those you leave behind you as you move up in your career. And even if you are there for a while, it keeps you humble. Not that you deserve to be treated this way...
I think it is indeed a symptom of our changing society. We can be so easily gratified these days. People used to wait months for a letter or package in the mail. Now we get aggravated if we have to wait 5 minutes for an email, and we complain if we can't have express shipping on something we should have purchased a long time ago...which leads me to the tendency we have to blame others for our mistakes. If someone is running late or doing last minute shopping, rather than accepting responsibility that they may have to wait in a long line, or deal with traffic, they just would rather whine about how crappy the service is. Everything we do seems to be fast. We can't wait for anything.
Try this when you are at work and see if it helps.
Talk to your manager, see what they say about strategies for you to try, especially before you get any complaints from really impatient people.
You may be able to set a bell by your register for customers to "ding" you when they are ready.
Here is another suggestion:
Next time you notice a browser that may need you sometime soon, ask if they need any help finding anything, and let them know where you will be when they are ready..."My name is Sarah...I'll be right here around this corner when you're ready to check out."
If you do notice an impatient looking person, or someone says something to you outright, you can always just greet them with a big smile, apologize for them having to wait, work accurately and fast, and wish them a good day as they leave...you know you did nothing wrong, and it will diffuse the customer. Just swallow it knowing it wasn't your fault and you treated your customer well...which is your job. Maybe they will even consider why you would feel the need to apologize, and adjust their attitude as they move through their day.
The way I see it, is this is an example of YOU deciding to do the right thing, not because you should have to deal with this kind of thing, but because it is the right thing TO DO. Treat people nicely regardless. It is a huge payoff spiritually and psychologically. Then you know that no one has caused you to react to them, you are choosing your actions based on your own morals. Being kind is always a better choice, not because they deserve it, but because no one else "made" you be rude back to them.
2007-02-11 19:48:09
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answer #3
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answered by musicimprovedme 7
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I personally think it all boils down to whether they have worked in those types of positions or not.
Now, this is disregarding those people (you know who I'm talking about) who slack off and don't do their work and are generally rude. Instead, I am talking about people who tend to give customers space, allow them to make decisions, and then are available if needed. If you have worked in grocery stores, fast food, gas stations, etc, and been through the rush times, you understand what it takes to get things done, and are generally more patient, whereas if you have not had this "opportunity", then you'll tend to be more impatient. AND rude.
2007-02-11 16:40:43
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answer #4
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answered by jlene18 3
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It's a result of being self-absorbed-that and they often running late and direct their impatience towards others. As a former waitress and bartender, I try to remember how I feel when the public does this to me. However, if I'm late for work, for instance, I do have a tendency to be visibly perterbed-though, I would never get verbal about it.
2007-02-11 21:52:45
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answer #5
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answered by nunya 3
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Why don't you put a bell on the counter with a sign saying ring for service? This way, if you do have to go to something in another section near your register where you can't see properly, they can simply ring the bell.
2007-02-12 04:59:15
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Maybe because you steal there avatars !
2007-02-12 11:07:10
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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