How can I handle intense anxiety when I'm having "on the job training" as a customer service respresentative?

Question

I used to have high anxiety during my first job at a bank especially my manager was standing next to and training me when I was serving the customers. My hands were shaking and couldn't type normally as I always do. As I look back, what could I have done to cope with the anxiety? Is there terminology in psychology that describes my situation? Appreciate serious response. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Dawn. I've had this problem too, in customer service in a corporation. Best I can suggest, immediately is take a deep breath. The pressure is probably coming from yourself, and not your trainer. When you are aware that you are anxious, take a deep breath and tell your trainer you are very nervous right now. If they care at all, they would help you to relax somehow.

Maybe they will share a joke with you.

or ask you to take a deep breath,

relax for a minute,

close your eyes for 10 seconds,

count to 10 slowly,

stand up and stretch your arms and legs

force your shoulders as high as they will go, hold for 5 seconds, then release them. Do this 3 times.

Make a fist in both hands, squeeze tightly for 5 seconds, then release, do this 3 times. You can do this without anyone knowing, under your desk.

Touch your toes, if it's appropriate of course.

Look at your feet for 3 seconds, this helps to ground you and remember where you are. it helps me a lot.

I understand your position and I think it's great you're asking for advice about how to overcome this feeling. If you are only aware of being extremely anxious during training sessions, you might be putting too much stress on yourself to be perfect. Remember, the trainers are there to ensure you're doing the work properly, and to assist you with it. You aren't expected to be perfect while you are being trained. You are expected to make mistakes, and everyone does. You might be putting to much pressure on yourself to complete your tasks too fast. That always increased my anxiety. Fast, be the best, be perfect, don't make mistakes, they're watching me!!

The anxiety is your inner thoughts going wild, uncontrolled. If this problem persists, and you become aware of extreme anxiety in other situations you're in, I suggest seeing your family doctor to discuss your feelings. There are short term perscriptions you can take which are very beneficial.

I hope I've covered everything here. Best of luck to you in your future training sessions Dawn. Take care.

Life is all about how you feel when you think about it. Too simple?

Answer 2

There is a simply way to conquer your anxiety. Take a step back in your mind, and realise you are worrying about something you can't control. You can only do so much at one time. If someone gets mad because you took your time and did it right then that's their prerogative. I'd much rather have someone take the few extra seconds and give me the right ammount anyways. I used to work in a bank, and for customer service as a manager for a retail chain. The best advice when it gets crazy, take a deep breath, take a mental step back and realize that you have a break comming up. It's only work, you'll be fine.

Answer 3

Well this depends on if you are being complained to or if the complaint is lodged at you. If you are being complained to, you need to listen carefully to the customers grievances and see if you can alleviate the situation by some sort of compensation--if that is not in your power you can tell the customer that you will go right then and speak to the manager and bring the manager back with you so they can compensate the customer. If you are being complained about you need to listen and apologize to the customer--don't give any protect your butt excuses--and get the manager to right the situation.

Answer 4

There is a terminology descibing anxiety, look valium can calm you but it is addictive and not a good idea to take while driving, working etc. I am on a specific anti depressant that deals with anxiety as well as depression. Talk to your doctor. Yoga was recommended to me as a relaxation method, and there are cds available that will calm and soothe the nerves. Sometimes I sit by the water and just look at its calming flow. The definition of FEAR is false events appearing real. Take care

Answer 5

anxiety or being nervous is normal usually when you know someone it is watching / observing you, everybody is nervous and afraid, if you can read a self improvement book may help you a lot ( your erroneous zones) this book tells you that your boss is nervous too, so, think about that you are going to show or do what you know and no more than that, look your boss in the eyes and smile to the customer and say hi! feel confident and secure, imagine that your boss is not there, ignore him and if you forgot one step, feel free to ask your boss, remember it is a training only.

Answer 6

Yes,
You can try medication to get rid of anxiety. Some people need meds and some dont. It all depends on you and your DOc. There is something called Klonopin or Xanax that is good for those shaky hand moments.
God Bless

Answer 7

See this site below for natural help with anxiety.

http://www.phifoundation.org/panic.html

Answer 8

Try little bit of yoga