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Defusing Customer Disputes: 7 Strategies to Centered Communication

Defusing difficult or angry customers calmly and assertively benefits the company, the customer, and the service representative. Managing any difficult situation requires clear communication and intention. You improve with practice. And the rewards – both in terms of personal and bottom line profit are great. The key lies in your ability to manage yourself so that you can manage and support the customer.

1. Take charge of you. Remember to breathe, smile, and connect with your higher motives. You cannot change the customer's reactions, but you can manage your response to them.

    

2. Focus on the bigger picture instead of getting stuck on the issue. What's really important here? Communicate as one human being to another.

    

3. Listen. Allow the customer to complete his thoughts and don't interrupt. Understand that the customer's reaction is not about you. Let the verbal attacks go by. Listen for what lies behind the words. Be curious instead of certain.

    

4. Acknowledge. Put yourself in the customer's shoes. You have probably been there at some point. Remember what it feels like. Say something like: "I can see how you'd feel this way," or "That sounds rough. I'm sorry that happened."

    

5. Clarify and summarize, as in, "Let me repeat what you said to make sure I understand." Make sure you do understand.

    

6. Ask honest, open questions that you do not know the answer to. Try to find out exactly what the problem is and what the customer expects of you and your company.

    

7. Advocate for your company. Agree where you can, and build on that. Tell the customer what you can do, and what you cannot (and why).

By centering yourself periodically, listening, and acknowledging the customer's point of view, you will have a positive effect on the situation, and you will take action in line with your company's best intentions. You will also set up favorable conditions for communicating what your company can and cannot do.

(See more Judy Ringer articles on "Difficult Conversations" and "Being Heard.")

About the Author: Judy Ringer is the author of Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict http://www.unlikelyteachersbook.com and the award-winning e-zine, Ki Moments, containing stories and practices on turning life's challenges into life teachers. Judy is a black belt in aikido and nationally known presenter, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a positive work environment. She is the founder of Power & Presence Training and chief instructor of Portsmouth Aikido, Portsmouth, NH, USA. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit http://www.JudyRinger.com  dead link Jan 18-07

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