We Are All in the Same Boat!
Posted by Meredith Estep on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 @ 01:18 PM
As client services representatives, we could easily say that we are all in the same boat. We are attempting to satisfy our clients on a daily basis, drive repeat business, build lasting professional relationships, and ultimately grow the business that we are a part of each day.
I recently read a book by Elizabeth Lesser called "Broken Open: How Difficult Times Help Us Grow" as part of a work-related assignment. One section, in particular, called "Bozos on the Bus" stood out to me and I believe can be applied to the customer service line of work. A few quotes that I enjoyed are below, along with my idea of how they can be applied in the customer service realm:
"Contrary to the self-assured image we work so hard to present to each other on a daily basis, we are all half baked experiments-mistake prone beings born without an instruction book into a complex world."
We arrive each day to work in hopes that we will be able to satisfy each client without any hiccups or major catastrophes. Sometimes our plan works and sometimes it does not. Perfection is certainly a fabulous goal, but sometimes we have to remember that we are human, one of those Bozos on the bus.
"But the truth is, we all know that the cool bus does not exist. It just looks that way because we are all playing the same game. So in honor of our flawed selves, let's celebrate our quirkiness, our uniqueness, our humanness. Yes, we are all just bozos on the bus. As Wavy Gravy says, we may as well sit back and enjoy the ride."
The above quote is a great reminder not to fill your day with stress. Just remember, the client on the other end of the line is on that bus too! Be in the moment and do all you can to satisfy your client. After the call is complete, get off at the next bus stop and jump on the next one. Enjoy the ride!
If you would like more information Elizabeth Lesser and her various works, please visit her profile page on the Omega Institute website:
http://www.eomega.org/omega/faculty/viewProfile/aad2658b4a173589f57dd7f1b83e02a4/?source=SEF.LESSE&gclid=COuS7ozarqACFQcMDQodV2m8Zg
-Jessica Snead