Another observation on the oddness of people.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

So today I'm working the library and this lady comes in. She's what I think of as a "gypsy type"...tall, long bottle blond hair curled into long spirals, almost dreadlocks....flowy skirts, a top that winds around her big boobs. She's an imposing figure. She's got a few kids following her around, and she speaks to them as if they're her secret confidants.

She has multiple cards, multiple renewals, multiple books and videos and things to check out. She asks a ton of questions, but in an almost demanding fashion...ok, demanding is too strong a word. More like "This is what I need to know, and you are going to tell it to me, because that's how it goes." Then she takes her sweet time figuring out exactly what she wants. Luckily there was no one waiting for help, but I've seen this lady on busy days and she operates in exactly the same fashion.

In working a customer service job, I've come to appreciate the subtleties of the small interactions I have with patrons. Some appreciate just a hello and have a nice day, while others like to swap minor pleasantries regarding the books they've read or the weather report. I do enjoy talking to people, even if it's just small talk BS. I guess it makes us both feel like we're actually human beings interacting, however artificially.

At the same time, I know people want to be in and out of here as painlessly as possible. I do my best to be quick and efficient. I get lots of comments on how fast I am, and people are very glad of it. I know I appreciate fast service when I'm dealing with CS people. So while I'm saying "Yes, I love this author", I'm checking out books. If they still want to talk after my transaction is done, I'll indulge, as long as no one is waiting. If someone is waiting, I'll let them finish a sentence, give a small ending response, and then look to the next one in line.

But there are some people that do NOT appreciate fast service. It's my theory that these people think that every interaction they have with another person needs to be lengthy and "friendly", almost leisurely. Otherwise they act as if they've been given the short shrift. I've had patrons give me a negative look when I push their books toward them in 5 seconds flat, after they've attempted to start a long, drawn out talk with me. I've never had anyone actually put me down for being quick but there's that moment where you can tell that they're kind of miffed.

I guess they long for the days of the "chat at the general store". Age has nothing to do with it, btw. And it's funny, but depending on the person, sometimes it annoys me, and sometimes I indulge them. I think the difference is that there are some who's habits do not change according to how busy we are, like the person I mention above. Those people are aggravating.

So, I suppose it comes down to consideration for others.

[Not Afraid]

Ahhh, but the skilled Customer Service person knows how to hurry up a customer without them even knowing they've been "directed". It was a skill that was often discussed in CS courses I both attended and taught, but is not one easily obtained. Those who master it are truely brilliant. I never really think I achieved that. I wasn't on the front lines as much as my staff was.

[mistyisjafo]

I used to work at the Wherehouse Records & Tapes for 3 years in a dinky video department. We got all kinds but there were the Regulars and the Movie Buffs who'd always want to chat. After awhile I got pumped up when I saw one or the other. Since I was there so long and got to know where every single movie was and since I "managed" the department, they would seek me out asking for referrals or just to BS. I got to know a lot of different people that way. When I quit, I gave all my Regulars a two week notice! They came by on my last day just to say goodbye.

Sometimes it's not just about customer service, sometimes its just about the pure glory of positive human contact. You know??

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by mistyisjafo

Sometimes it's not just about customer service, sometimes its just about the pure glory of positive human contact. You know??

Totally. I have my share of regulars that I love to chat with. They'll kindly step aside and let me help others if there's a line. It's just when people act as if they're more important than the people behind them that I get annoyed.

What intrigued me in particular today is the concept that there are people that never seem to want to get in and out and on with their lives. Not to say that people should always want to hurry, of course. But it appears to me that these select few always want things to go as slowly as possible. Maybe they just think slower or something....they don't seem dumb to me. The attitude brings to mind the stereotype of the ambling Southern plantation owner, taking their time with everything, because it's too humid to go any faster.

I'm not an "ambling" type, I guess.

[mistyisjafo]

There are those who seem to have way too much time on their hands. I had a regular who had an entire family to entertain & be with but he'd come in and hang out talking to us for hours sometimes. But I'm like "GO HOME PEOPLE!" LOL

[Mousey Girl]

Customer service seems to be a thing of the past. Even at my work the emphasis is on sales first and customer service second. With the sales incentives we have most of my co-workers are sales focused for the extra $$ each month.

[MouseWife]

This is a very interesting subject, considering I think of it a lot!

I know of the people you speak of. I actually hang with people like this. The Hubster says I am, in fact, one of those people. I am not. I talk to people, people seem to like to talk to me, and, it is hard to get away sometimes!! I mean, these are the same people you tell them that your kids are killing each other and you have to get off the phone and they laugh and tell you a little story about their kids or when they were a kid or what they would do...

BUT I also agree with Mousey Girl. I mean, some people are so freakin rude. I mean, employees. I guess it could be where I go... We frequent a Wal-Mart a bit east of here, it was really great, out of the way, worth the drive. And, the employees were pretty cool; I don't expect cool chickies but I don't want Sister Mary Agnes either. Anywho, long story short, I had an encounter with a very rude employee. A 'WTF' moment.

Anywho, even though I post long winded posts I am not like that in person.

I am not I am not I am not!! {we need a foot stamp as well as a finger snap!!}