Most people who know me would swear that I am an easy-going person. I tend to be able to handle a great deal of chaos and roll with all sorts of changes and adversity. HOWEVER, I find the impatient side of me comes out so easily when dealing with bad customer service, rude tellers at the bank, and being asked to jump through silly hoops when trying to take care of everyday things. I try to stay calm and controlled when I am dealing with these people, especially when I am with my kids…
I really do try and I really do think I have a fair amount of tolerance, but when it comes to financial institutions or bureaucracies or red tape, I can get mighty aggravated mighty fast. Whenever a service person standing across a desk or counter starts out by saying something like: “This is our new policy” or “I cannot help you with this” I feel my hackles getting pretty hackly. What is a mom to do? Do we model our “tough” and “assertive” side for our kids? Or do we show them how to be calm and gentle under pressure?
About a month or so ago, I was at my soon-to-be-ex credit union with my daughter trying to resolve a problem with my on-line bill pay. After having to explain the situation to two different people and being told that I would have to call some third party “bill paying service” instead of having a live body resolve my problem—I felt myself starting to get nasty. I knew I crossed the line when my daughter had to put her hand on my arm and whisper “Chill, Mom.” I really do want to model pleasant, Zen behavior for my kids. After all, I don’t want them to think that it is appropriate to get curt and annoyed with service people and retail personnel. I don’t WANT to perpetuate any stereotypes or be judgmental—but I also get aggravated dealing with bad customer service or impolite people. Whatever is a mom to do?
Also: What’s the Big Deal About Customer Service?