A local chain store cashier is responsible for managing phone calls and a long line of holiday bargain shoppers. At a check-out stand this past weekend, a cashier vented to me, “everyone keeps calling the store to find out what time we close”.
I know all too well what it’s like to work in retail sales during the holiday season. Yet, was it smart of her to complain about her job responsibilities to a customer? This is a big etiquette faux pas.
This interaction reminded me that our actions and words potentially impact how others view us.
Don’t vent about your job to people you don’t know. You don’t know who’s related to your boss, who’s on a ‘secret shopper’ mission or if the person you are venting to happens the CEO you are scheduled to interview with tomorrow morning.
Do be grateful for customers who call at 4:55 P.M. They are choosing to give their business to you, not your competitors.
Do face difficult workplace situations with professional charisma and etiquette. We already have enough charmless complainers in the world.
If you are hired to answer telephone calls and serve customers, then it’s your job to answer telephone calls and serve customers. Shine. Smile. Serve!
If you choose to be positively carry on you will succeed. If you choose not to be positive in the mist of difficult workplace situations you are only hurting yourself.
To Your Success!
Tiffany Nielsen, Your Favorite Etiquette Lady