You know how you get irritated when you get calls from telemarketers, and sometimes you're just rude and hang up?
It's a little different on the other side of the phone. I get paid to make phone calls. It's really frustrating when people yell at me, swear at me, use condescending language, or decide they aren't interested before I even say a word. The tiny spots of life in a work day are things like a funny answering machine, a cool ringback, or someone who simply exhibits human decency--even if they don't sign up with me.
Imagine how you would feel if you called someone, said your name, and then got hung up on. Not very happy, right? Multiply that by 1,000, add in people who don't speak English and/or are over 100 years old. Mix until lumps disappear.
I'm not here to complain about my job (I actually really enjoy it), but I'm trying to make a point. People are people, even if they're trying to sell you something. There are ways to say no without being a jerkface. Before I had this job, I saw phone salespeople like mosquitos: they're annoying, buzz in your ear, and try to suck out your lifeblood. But now I've been gifted with a little bit of perspective, and it makes all the difference. I'm so much more aware of the other side of social interactions.
There's a psychological principle called the fundamental attribution error that says individuals are more likely to see their own flaws as a result of a situation, whereas others' failures are seen as being part of their disposition. When I'm late to work, it's because there was traffic, but if someone else is late it's because they're lazy. If I trip over a rock, it's because someone put it there; if you trip it's because you're clumsy.
So why don't we all just think about how we would behave in certain situations before acting rudely to each other? Instead of getting mad at someone who you think is driving badly, ask yourself what could be causing that behaviour. After all, you probably exhibited some of the same lack of driving skills at one time or another.
BE NICE.
/rant over
Writing helps me think. It allows me to keep track of and develop thoughts I have, so here's some of my random musings on life, the universe, and everything. This blog, along with my journal, keeps me sane. I hope it helps you in some way!
Amen! I've been working on this A LOT lately, especially while driving. Instead of getting angry that someone cut me off, I try to put it into context and be understanding. It's definitely making me think twice and be nicer.
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same kind of epiphany when I started working at Gandolfo's three years ago. I always thought the food sales people were grouchy and then being put in that environment, I realize how frustrating it is when customers get mad for no reason, or come in right when you're about to close.
ReplyDeleteWe are all so single minded, and never worry about the other person, or how they feel.