by Kate Myers,
[email protected]
(If you�d like to be on Kate�s mailing list for
catalogues, seminars, and
newsletter, send your snail mail address to the e-dress above)
Customer service. It brings to mind that old saying,
"The customer is always
right". Well, in animal welfare the customer is usually wrong! The
challenge is
to communicate the bad news in a way that our clients will hear. The
relationship we develop with people is much more in line with the social
services client-centered model than the retail customer service model.
We
are attempting to build relationships and change behavior, not just
provide a
product or service. One of the most frustrating and stressful aspects of
animal
care and control work is dealing with our human customers. Every animal
that
comes through our doors has had a human attached to it somewhere in it�s
past. It was a human who didn�t know how to properly care for their pet;
a
human who didn�t understand the impact of breeding their dog; a human
who
didn�t have the advantage of a compassionate upbringing. These are our
customers.
If you haven�t already, your organization (or you
personally) might look at
establishing client relationship goals, because without communicating
with
humans, there is no hope of helping animals.
My client relationship goals are to:
1) understand my own style, behavior, history and
motivations and how they
effect communication with clients
2) be compassionate, professional and helpful in my
interactions
3) promote the humane ethic and responsible animal care
and control in a way
people can understand
4) meet my customers at their needs
5) provide resources within my abilities for all who
need them
6) model healthy habits and behaviors
K8�s Communication Tips
Listening�the key to understanding
a.. Act like a good listener. Be alert, sit straight,
lean forward if appropriate,
let your face radiate interest. Believe the other person is important.
b.. Listen to understand. Do not listen for the sake of
listening -- listen to gain
understanding.
c.. React. The only time a person likes to be
interrupted is for applause! Be
generous with applause. Nod, smile, comment and encourage.
d.. Ask questions. Clarify with thoughtful questions --
don't ask questions that
intimidate or put them down.
e.. Concentrate. Actively focus on their words, ideas
and feelings.
f.. Smile. But, don�t overdo it!
g.. Leave your emotions behind. Put your worries, fears
and problems away.
h.. Get rid of distractions. Attempt to tune out noise
by focusing on the other
person.
i.. Share the responsibility for communication. As a
listener, you play an important
part.
j.. Respond to ideas, not the person.
k.. Use the difference in rate. Speech rate is 100-150
wpm -- listening rate is
500 wpm. You can listen faster than anyone can talk!
l.. Listening is fun! Make a game of how well you can
listen!
Go on to Mad Cow Disease Warning
Return to 13 June 1999 Issue
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