We love our pet peeves. They are those little annoyances we allow ourselves to feel justified in feeding and tending. We know that it’s ok to nurture the peeve because we have earned the right, or we know that we are correct and others are wrong. Our pet peeves make us superior to other mere mortals who just don’t get it.
One of mine is ending a sentence with a preposition. It irritates me when I pick up a reputable publication and the reporter sees fit to complete a sentence of a headline with, “in”, “under”, “around” or another inappropriate preposition. “They should know better, “ I fume! Facebook is rife with grammar mistakes so you can imagine the fun I have reading memes and posts. And, yes, I mentally rearrange the words to the correct order.
Now, that particular pet peeve doesn’t get me into much trouble with my customers, but this one can. Interrupters! You know theses people. They ask you a question (or series of questions) and when you begin to answer, they start talking again. For me, this happens most often on the phone. So if I move the receiver away from my ear, or roll my eyes the person on the other end won’t know. However, if I have other customers in the room, they will! Never underestimate how your customers can internalize your actions, even if not directed at them. After all, if you will treat another customer disrespectfully, how will you treat them when they are not present?
Sorry for the interruption. Back to the interrupter. (LOL)
I need to remember that most often when people ask questions they are seeking understanding. Sometimes they are thinking out loud. Certain people think best by verbalizing their problems and if I let them talk long enough they will work it out on their own. Some people are lonely. There are as many reasons for this behavior as there are people who do it. So my challenge is to rise above. At times I’m quiet until they are done. Others times I take notes on what they are saying. But no matter what I do, I try to remember the problem is ME, not them.
What?!? Let me say that again. The problem is yours and mine when we let our pet peeves rule. That’s right. YOUR pet peeve is YOUR problem. Taking out your frustrations on your customers can destroy your business. It really is business sabotage. So now, put your pet peeve in the kennel, get over yourself and go watch your business thrive.
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What is YOUR number one Pet Peeve? Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it….