While I like to think I am a fairly decent problem-solver by nature, I do have my limit. There are days when I feel like all I do all day is solve problems, put out fires, and pick up broken pieces–that might be why I can get short-tempered when I get even more of that in my work world–those times when individuals just seem to want to dump their problems in my lap with a cry of “Fix it!”
We know that part of being in business means trying to help people–no matter what sort of business you have, there is likely an element of trying to help people solve a problem or make their lives better. That is what it is all about, but what happens when you feel the resentment or aggravation of being asked to go above and beyond in order to solve individual’s problems that might be outside of what you actually do in your home business?
The thing to remind ourselves is that we do have a few options: We can attend to the dumped problems the best we can all in the spirit of customer service and cultivating relationships; we can explain what parts of the problem we can help with and put the rest back to the customer or client; we can also set very firm limits and explain that we either do not have the time or the expertise to handle the problem or that it is outside the realm of our working relationship; or we could also choose to try to pass off the problems onto someone else or find an “expert” who is better equipped to solve the problem.
As you may imagine, it will depend on the circumstance as to what the best reaction will be. I know it does help me to remember that I have choices in how I react and I do not have to simply live up to the expectation of the client or customer (or other individual) on this subject–I can decide what I can and cannot do and I am not obligated to solve every problem that gets dumped on my lap.
Also: Babysitting and Hand-holding
What Are Your Customer’s Expectations?