Imagine you are the manager of a customer service department orienting newly hired employees on aspects of dealing with challenging problems and difficult customers. Based on this unit's readings, what are some possible situations and tactics you would want the new employees to be prepared for as they start their job?
Discussion: The Customer Service Workplace
Orienting newly hired employees on aspects of dealing with challenging problems and diverse difficult customers, as a customer service department manager I would want them to be prepared with the following anticipation:
☆ A customer might become angry because of failure to deliver his product in time or solutions given to him aren't to his satisfaction or might be his products has been directed to a wrong address, in this case, the employee (s) doesn't have to respond in kind at the customer, but rather- apologise for the delay- and assure that the same mistake won't repeat itself.
☆ Employees should show empathy for customer's problems; if possible, exceed customer's expectations- this shows that their problem is your problem.
☆ If a customer gets mad at something even if its trivial, let him vent a little to the point that it's to his satisfaction, then that is when you can come in with gentle words like, "I know why you are upset " or, let's have a joint agreed solution to the problem. Moreover, hand the power over to the customer by saying, "what do you propose we should do inorder that the problem be resolved?"
☆When a customer is posing a problem, customers must apply effective listening skills; this helps your customers to at least feel that this is someone they can express, communicate their problems to or, that you clearly can comprehend their problems. In addition to this, employees can also utilise fillers especially if it's a conversation on the telephone;this is to demonstrate that you are listening or encouraging your customers to continue.
☆ Based on customer's diversity, CSWs might need to adjust their forms of verbal & non verbal communication according to the cultural comfort of the customers.
☆CSWs when communicating, should avoid using slangs and jokes; also learning to keep messages brief, speech rate no more than 120 words per minute and clearly especially a customer from a distinct culture who enters a new environment of which he is not familiar with; moreover, using simple standard English.
☆ Inorder to completely satisfy the customers , CSWs should apply the two golden rules of customer service : - ) Find out what customers really want. -) Treat them how you want them to be treated; in addition to this, apply the three goldens: listen, empathise and take charge.
☆ CSWs should be comfortable interacting with customers from diverse cultural and demographic backgrounds.
☆ For CSWs to effectively deal with challenging diverse customers, they need to protect themselves with a proper mindset and attitude.
A Brief Guide for Customer Service Relations
Customer Service Training:
- The training will include clearly defined steps for dealing with challenging issues or difficult customers. The training will also address when and how a supervisor can be requested, especially if the issue may result in legal liability for the company.
Observation:
- All newly hired employees assigned to the product/service delivery process should thoroughly check the quality of such items and the delivery data for each. Failure to do so can result in unsatisfactory customer service, causing major inconvenience to the customer and diminishing the company's standard for service delivery.
- Keeping track of customer requests and organizing company-issued promises can help prevent unfulfilled service. If a promise or special request is not met, documented customer history can assist with the resolution process.
Adapting to Customer Behavior:
- Customer service workers will have to assist customers with various cultural and demographic differences. To properly assist them, workers will have to modify their methods of interaction.
- Such modifications may include not assuming customers understand their explanation simply because they agree, using simple English, keeping messages brief, rephrasing when necessary, being cautious with humor, slang, or gestures, and refraining from judging or applying their cultural beliefs. Being proficient in several languages is an added advantage; otherwise, requesting the help of a co-worker fluent in a customer's language can be just as effective.
Managing Service-Related Problems:
- Resolving customer-related issues can be done by listening carefully and empathizing effectively. To listen carefully, workers should not interrupt when customers are explaining an issue, listen intently by slightly leaning towards the customer and turning an ear their way, and apply paralanguage when conversing with customers over the phone.
- To empathize effectively, customer service workers should try to see the issue as the customers might, using a customer-centric perspective. Customers should be reimbursed or receive a suitable replacement for an improper service/product as quickly as possible. Failing to remedy such a situation, among others, can result in bad reviews online and through word of mouth, affecting the company's reputation. A bad reputation can lead to a loss of profit or potential customers.
Managing Difficult Customers:
- Some ways to prevent or de-escalate an issue in customer service relations are: workers should control how they respond by being patient, avoiding appearing adversarial by refraining from defending themselves and telling the customers to calm down. Offering a sincere apology and allowing the customer to vent their rage [within reason] for a few minutes is also recommended.
- If a customer service worker cannot resolve a challenging issue on their own even after properly implementing good customer service, the supervisor, security, or appropriate authorities can be called. However, additional aid to de-escalate disruption by a customer should be requested per the level of disruption to avoid damaging the company's reputation.
Situation: A customer encounters persistent technical issues.
Tactic: Emphasize active listening, thorough troubleshooting, and clear communication on steps taken to resolve the problem.
Difficult Customers:
Situation: Dealing with an irate customer dissatisfied with a service.
Tactic: Teach empathy, patience, and techniques for de-escalation, focusing on resolving the issue rather than escalating tension.
Product Knowledge:
Situation: Handling inquiries about complex products.
Tactic: Ensure comprehensive product knowledge training, encouraging continuous learning to confidently address customer queries.
Team Collaboration:
Situation: Collaborating with other departments to solve customer issues.
Tactic: Stress the importance of effective cross-team communication and collaboration to provide seamless solutions.
Positive Communication:
Situation: Maintaining professionalism even in challenging interactions.
Tactic: Instill the use of positive language, active listening, and expressing empathy to create a positive customer experience.
Re: Discussion: The Customer Service Workplace
1: Become good listeners
2. Put the customers in their shoes.
3. Take their complaints as gift. The complaining customer wants to stay.
4. Smile a lot.
Given a chance to be manager of the customer service department, I would orient newly hired employees on dealing with challenging problems and difficult customers, I would want them to be able to recognize the challenge within the problem there by being able to create a solution that best suits the customer. Additionally I would want them to have a calm attitude, which can help with difficult customers. I would also want them to have empathy and apologize to the customer which can help changed the customers attitude. exceeding the customers expectations should be one of the goals as well.
As a hiring manager of a customer service department orienting newly hired employees on dealing with challenging problems and difficult customers, I would want them to be able to recognize the challenge within the problem thereby being able to create a solution that best suits the customer. I would want the to have a calm attitude of detachment, which can help with difficult customers. I would also want them to have empathy and apologize to the customer which can help change the customers attitude. Lastly I would teach them to exceed the customers expectations in the very possible way.
As the manager of a customer service department orienting newly hired employees, I would make sure the new employees are able to analyze problems,research answers and implement solutions as it is their job to help find resolution. Also I would want them to be prepared to take ownership of problems and turn the problem’s solution into a partnership to achieve a speedy resolution and satisfaction.
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• Deal with angry customers
• Resolve complex issues
• Deal with rude or disrespectful customers
• Manage long wait times or delays
2. Managing unreasonable demands: Some customers may make unreasonable demands or expect special treatment. Employees should be taught how to set boundaries, manage expectations, and find a compromise that satisfies both the customer and the company.
3. Handling technical issues: Customers may come with technical problems or questions that the employee may not have an immediate answer to. They should be trained on how to troubleshoot, research solutions, and escalate issues to higher levels if necessary.
Re: Discussion: The Customer Service Workplace
Some customers are easy to do business with, others, not so much. When dealing with a customer who is particularly angry or frustrated about a situation, the CSW will need to know the proper steps to make this right- apologize, apologize again, do not argue, and offer remediation. It is always best to try to exceed the customer's expectations. Some customers are calm and collected, but when dealing with difficult customers, the CSW will need to protect themselves with the proper mindset and attitude- it helps to not take things personally.
When it comes to defusing an angry customer, the potential CSW will need to be open to apologizing and helping the customer find a solution to their problem. They will need to also speak slowly, use short, simple sentences, and be tactful. The CSW should try to see the situation from the customer's point of view to better understand their stance on the situation. The CSW can also defuse the situation by effectively listening. They can smile at the customer, let the customer vent their frustrations, and use words of understanding like, "uh-huh," "yes," and "I see".
The potential CSW will need to know the dos and don'ts of handling challenging customers. They should not get angry or feel the need to defend themselves. They should avoid telling the customer things like, "Calm down" and they should assure the customer they want to help. They should also show empathy and remain positive and calm.
Dealing with customers who are difficult or angry is not the only type of situation a potential CSW would need to prepare for. They should also know what to do when met with diversity. There will be times when there may be a language barrier. In this event, the CSW should carefully explain things slowly, and in simple sentences. They should avoid using gestures like thumbs up and 'ok' as those are considered offensive in some cultures. When speaking with these customers, the CSW should not assume just because the customer is smiling and nodding that they understand what they are being told. The CSW should be sure what they are telling the customer is received clearly.
When preparing a new employee, I would be certain they could handle each of these situations carefully and appropriately.
In a situation where they are dealing with an irate customer dissatisfied with a service, the tactic to use is to be empathic, patient and focus on resolving the issue rather than escalating tension. In a situation where the customer encounters persistent technical issues, the tactic to use is to actively listen, troubleshoot thoroughly and communicate clearly on the steps taken to resolve the issue. In a situation where the customer is making inquiries about a complex product, the tactic to use is to ensure comprehensive product knowledge and continuous learning of products to confidently address customer queries.
1. **Handling Complaints about Faulty Products or Services:**
- Situation: A customer calls to complain about a faulty product they purchased.
- Tactics: Train employees to actively listen to the customer's concerns, express empathy, and offer solutions such as troubleshooting steps, replacement, refund, or repair options.
2. **Dealing with Angry Customers:**
- Situation: A customer is upset and frustrated due to a billing error.
- Tactics: Teach employees to remain calm and composed, actively listen to the customer's grievances without interrupting, apologize for any inconvenience caused, take ownership of the problem, and work towards finding a satisfactory resolution.
3. **Managing High Call Volume:**
- Situation: The customer service line experiences a sudden surge in call volume, leading to long wait times for customers.
- Tactics: Provide strategies for efficiently managing high call volumes, such as prioritizing urgent issues, using pre-recorded messages to update customers on wait times, offering alternative communication channels (e.g., online chat), and implementing call-back options to reduce hold times.
4. **Addressing Language Barriers:**
- Situation: A customer speaks a language other than the employee's primary language, leading to communication difficulties.
- Tactics: Offer resources and training on how to effectively communicate with customers who speak different languages, including using translation tools, hiring multilingual staff, or providing language-specific scripts for common customer inquiries.
5. **Resolving Complex Issues:**
- Situation: A customer presents a complex problem that requires in-depth investigation and collaboration across departments.
- Tactics: Equip employees with problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork and collaboration with other departments, provide access to relevant resources and training materials, and empower employees to escalate issues to higher-level support if necessary.
6. **Dealing with Disruptive or Abusive Behavior:**
- Situation: A customer becomes verbally abusive or uses inappropriate language during a conversation.
- Tactics: Train employees on how to handle disruptive behavior professionally and assertively, establish clear boundaries for acceptable conduct, empower employees to disengage from abusive interactions if necessary, and provide support and resources for managing stress and emotional well-being.
By preparing new employees with these tactics and strategies, they will be better equipped to handle challenging problems and difficult customer interactions effectively, ultimately enhancing the overall customer service experience.
Re: Discussion: The Customer Service Workplace
During orientation, I would stress the importance of maintaining professionalism, patience, and a proactive approach at all times. It's crucial for new employees to understand that how they handle these situations can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. I would also emphasize the importance of teamwork and the availability of support among colleagues. This approach helps new employees feel empowered to seek assistance when they face complex issues beyond their current skill level, fostering a supportive work environment where challenges are met collaboratively.
If I am the Manager of a customer service department, intend the follwing recommendations to a newly hired :
I- He must be prepared to deal with difficult, demanding, upset, angry even violent and diverse cultural customers
II- The opposit behavior of my new customer service worker:
He must remain calme,
Let the customer vent,
Listen carefully,
Show empathy and apologize,
Be patient and reasonable,
Involve the customer in the solution finding process,
Summarize clearly the found solution to the customer,
Call for help if necessary,
Follow up the customer and be sure he is satisfied
Exceed the customer expectations.
Let the customer know their problems concern you as well
Be calm and keep focus on achieving results
2. Try to side with the customer with empathy. Let the customer know you understand their frustration and have been through a similar situation.
3. Speak slowly and clearly, while also articulating well.
4. Be patient with customers.
5. Apologize if there has been a mistake made.
6. Explain the solution to the customers problem and explain how it will be taken care of
- Dealing with challenging customers can be awkward, so try to employ the following tactics: - Be apologetic; - Apply the golden CS rule- listen, empathise, and take charge; and apply listening skills, etc.
- Maintain an attitude of calm detachment.
- Exceed customers' expectations.
- As the name implies- "CSWs " - which literally means answering customers' questions, providing them products and services, resolving issues, providing infos pertaining to products, etc.
- Don't take customers' anger or insults personally.
- Offer obvious steps and resolution for the issue.
- Sympathise & empathise with your customers- and be supportive as well , making them know you're more than just CSWs there to help them 😉 😄.
- Entitle customers to vent out thier rage before initiating steps to resolve the issue.