Dealing With Difficult Customers At Work

Here are a list of difficult customer behaviors you may have to deal with at work:

• Angry/aggressive
• Impatient
• Intimidating
• Talkative
• Demanding
• Indecisive
• Complaining
• Know-it-all

• You will likely be viewed as professional and hardworking
• Your supervisors will think highly of you, which may lead to positive consequences, such as getting a promotion

• You may be viewed as unprofessional or rude
• You may seem like you are not putting in effort
• Your supervisors may think badly of you, which may lead to getting a warning or being fired

• Take deep breaths when you begin to get frustrated or upset
• Show that you are listening and that you care.
• Use body language, such as standing or sitting up straight and don’t cross your arms.
• Have good eye contact to show that you’re listening.
• Keep your facial expression looking sincere and interested.
• Let the customer vent and pay attention
• Never argue with or blame customers.
• Stay calm and speak in a neutral or positive tone of voice.
• Attempt to solve the problem and get a manager or supervisor if you need help
• Seek support from other coworkers as to how they deal with frustration at work
• When the situation is over, let out your negative emotions in an appropriate place, such as the break room, restroom, at home, or outside where the public will not see you