Anyone who has ever worked in a call center knows that it is rather difficult to call this type of work pleasant. Anyway – every work we do is associated with some hardship that we have to endure.
There is a saying: find a job you like and you will never have to work again, but the reality is that once we start operating in a profession that is our passion, routine and repetition creep in and we can start to get bored. There is also a need to perform less enjoyable tasks (e.g. paperwork).
When referring to a call center, it is probably hard to say that it’s someone’s passion. I haven’t met anyone who says it’s their dream to answer or make phone calls (although they certainly do exist). So what can you do about it once you’re already working in a call center? Here are some simple – maybe obvious but effective tricks that will help you stay calm and have a pleasant time at work.
1. Instead of working – help!
This attitude is the most precious thing in the world. Notice that basically every job is about helping. Working in a call center is exactly the same. And it doesn’t matter that you are answering phone calls at the Customer Service Office, or that you make calls and sell a certain type of product. Each product is supposed to solve a customer’s problem, so just help! If the customer who calls you is rude – he simply has a problem that you must solve! Change your attitude and instead of seeing yourself as a slave who has to do boring work, find the good soul within yourself to help.
2. Take a break from all the hype
Use every possible moment to rest from the noise. If you can, go outside. Go for a walk. Get up and look around the room. Look at the bigger picture.Make sure you drink water, and avoid unhealthy drinks and food. Everything is connected – one neglected aspect will affect another. Remember that, you have only one life and your health is most important. Also take care of your workplace – more information can be found in the e-book “How to work in a call center without going crazy”.
4. Don’t get into negative discussions about customers
I have also devoted a little more time to this aspect in my ebook. Beware of any negative conversations about your customers. It is very tempting and everyone would like to complain, but trust me: you will only make matters worse. It is best not to talk about other people at all, and if you do, then only about the positive aspects.
4. Appreciate where you are and be grateful
It’s a cliché, but very true. Take a look around you. Look at the people around you. You should appreciate that first you have a job, secondly, it’s not manual labor, and thirdly, you are being paid. There is a very large number of people who would really give a lot to swap places with you and if you think twice, you will probably find such people among your friends. So take it easy, smile and work smart!
5. You are not your job!
I left this point for the end on purpose. Sounds strange and philosophical? Let me explain what I mean. Moreover, it does not only apply to the work we do, but e.g. emotions, relationships and other aspects of everyday life. This trick is a reference to what Anthony de Mello wrote in his book “Awakening”. Just because we feel angry and sad does not mean that we are angry and sad. These are just our feelings. We should not identify with them, because it will make work tormenting. Simply – take care of your tasks. You are not here forever. Bad moments pass, it is not worth tormenting yourself with them, even if now they make you feel not very well. Just do your dance. Life is never going to be perfect – that’s OK!
And that’s about it when it comes to simple tricks that will make working in a call center easier. You will easily notice that the above-mentioned tips will be helpful not only in call centers, but also in any other profession and in everyday life. I hope this helps you on your journey! If you would like to learn more ways to achieve mastery by working in a call center, I invite you to read this ebook, where you will find practical and valuable knowledge for those working in customer service by phone.