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1. Customer Service and Communication Strategies
1.Conflict Resolution and Creative Problem Solving
2.Professional Responsibility
3.Personal Development
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What module will cover:
We will look at all types of customers and how
we can serve them better and improve
ourselves in the process.
At end of module you will be able to:
•State what customer service means in relation
to SDG&E customers
•Recognize how your attitude affects customer
service
•Identify your customers’ needs
•Connect with customers
•Deal with difficult customers
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Customer ServiceCustomer Service
When “customers” first meet us they immediately form opinions about us
and our organization.
Those impressions include things about character, efficiency, and
friendliness.
• Like YouLike You
• Dislike YouDislike You
• Are IndifferentAre Indifferent
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What module will cover:
Different types and methods of communication and how to
use them in your daily job functions.
At end of module you will be able to:
•Understand what communication is
•Identify barriers/solutions to communication
•Develop new non-verbal/verbal communication skills
•Listen actively and effectively; Ask good questions
•“I” messages.
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• Seek and provide information
•Influence others
• Change attitudes; motivate people; establish/maintain relationships
• Express emotions, (Anger, fear, joy, satisfaction, disappointment)
• Develop/maintain relationships with people
• Allow ideas to be conveyed
Communication StrategiesCommunication Strategies
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Verbal
Speak clearly at an appropriate speed
Be aware of your tone and inflections
Give undivided attention (be present)
Non-verbal
Be aware of body language, including eye contact
Language
Avoid use of:
o Inappropriate language
oStereotypes/Slang
oDiscriminatory or demeaning comments
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• Lack of information and knowledge
• Not explaining priorities or goals concisely
• Not listening/Not being present
• Not understanding fully; failing to ask questions
• Making assumptions; preconceived ideas
• Not understanding customers’ needs
• Not thinking clearly; jumping to conclusions
• Bad mood/attitude
• Failure to explore alternative solutions
Communication StrategiesCommunication Strategies
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•Everything we do is communication!
•How we begin our message can determine outcome of the communication
•Message delivery, effects the way a message is received
•Communication is two way street –we have to give info, as well as, gather
•The real communication is message received, not message intended
Communication StrategiesCommunication Strategies
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What module will cover:
How to identify anger triggers and what to do when
experiencing a customer conflict. Give an overview of
the entire creative problem solving process, as well as
key problem solving tools that they can use every day.
At end of module you will be able to:
•Understand conflict
•Conflict Do’s and Don’ts
•Separate the People from the Problem
•Dealing with Angry Customers
•Identify and adapt solutions
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• Make clear and to the point statements
• Use “I” statements: I’d like, I appreciate
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Ask, Don’t tell
• Offer positive suggestions, Do not give
commands
• Offer constructive criticism, Do not blame or
make assumptions
• Ask questions to find out what the customer is
feeling/thinking
• Look for mutually acceptable solutions
Dealing with Angry
Customers
Conflict Resolution & Creative Problem SolvingConflict Resolution & Creative Problem Solving
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Conflict Resolution & Creative Problem SolvingConflict Resolution & Creative Problem Solving
Negative language characteristics:
•tells the recipient what cannot be done
•has a subtle tone of blame
•includes words like can't, won't, unable to
•does not stress positive actions/solutions
Positive language characteristics:
•tells the recipient what can be done
•suggests alternatives and choices available
•sounds helpful and encouraging
•stresses positive actions/solutions
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Negative Phrases Positive Phrases
You neglected to
specify...
Let me make sure we have all the correct
information.
You failed to
include...
We can help you to [whatever] if you can send us
[whatever].
You claim that...
You say that...
The information we have suggests that you have a
different viewpoint on this issue. Let me explain
our perspective.
I cannot see how
you...
Might we suggest that you [suggestion].
That is impossible… Let’s look at some different ways to handle the
situation.
You must... One option open to you is [option].
Conflict Resolution & Creative Problem SolvingConflict Resolution & Creative Problem Solving
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• Sit or stand at same level as customer if possible
• Respect customer’s personal space zones
• Use open gestures and body language
• Center your attention exclusively on the customer
• Lean slightly forward to show interest
• Maintain appropriate eye contact while listening
to encourage speaker (be aware of culture)
• Respond appropriately by basing your responses on
what the other customer has just said, paraphrase
• Keep your voice and posture calm and relaxed
Conflict Resolution & Creative Problem SolvingConflict Resolution & Creative Problem Solving
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EE – explore by asking questions
AA – affirm to show you’re listening
RR – reflect your understanding
SS – silence, listen some more
Conflict Resolution & Creative Problem SolvingConflict Resolution & Creative Problem Solving
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Professional ResponsibilityProfessional Responsibility
Clothing is Functional
Never skimp on clothing that will protect you.
Safety First.
Clothing Should Fit
Clothing that fits right simply looks better. Clothing that’s
too big makes you look sloppy and square. But more importantly,
clothing that fits stays out of the way and performs better by giving
its wearer more freedom of movement.
Clothing Should be “Put on” Clean
A clean presentation is about pride in yourself and the company.
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Professional ResponsibilityProfessional Responsibility
Know your customers
Spend time talking with customers to learn about where they are from. You should have a basic
knowledge of relevant world views, values and beliefs.
Seek out culture-specific knowledge of your customers.
Is your client Japanese, Chinese or Korean? Don’t lump cultures under one umbrella! Mastering a
few key phrases in their language is always a warm way to build relations.
Recognize patterns for communicating
Does the client prefer “speak your mind” or “read between the lines” when communicating? Do
they focus on relationships in customer service or value efficiency and speed? Pay attention to
both verbal and nonverbal communication, and learn to mirror them in your customer service.
Build relationships
Your customers are not just a series of tasks to be completed or passed off to the next worker. In
Hispanic, Asian, Arab and African cultures relationships are key to conducting business. Become
an active listener and build relationships.
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Professional ResponsibilityProfessional Responsibility
1.Know yourself, and your own cultural context
You need to know your own culture, not just live it. How is disagreement or bad news
expressed? How do you give and receive praise? How devastating is
embarrassment? Answers to these questions differ greatly across the globe. Even
small differences in communication style can lead to great misunderstandings.
2. Know your audience
Have you noticed some cultures are more direct than other’s. They rely on words
being literally interpreted. People say what they mean. “Yes” always means yes.
Some cultures are more indirect. They rely less on the actual words to convey their
point and more on non-verbal communication and context. “Yes” may not mean yes.
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Professional ResponsibilityProfessional Responsibility
3. Be mindful of the entire message you are sending
Think about non-verbal messages. In a country where people generally stand closer
to each other than we do, what message are you sending them by standing where
you stand? In many Asian countries a smile can often be a sign of embarrassment.
An “OK” gesture used in the US means something obscene in Brazil. You have to be
careful.
4. Respect your audience, suspended judgment
Look at situations across cultures as “different” not “right” or “wrong”. If someone
does something that we do not understand our normal tendency is to observe,
interpret and judge. Communicating across cultures work on observing, asking
questions for understanding and then exploring possibilities.
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Professional ResponsibilityProfessional Responsibility
5. Check for understanding of your message
English is often your audience’s second language. Even if they are speaking English
they may not comprehend everything that is being said. Periodically stop and check
for understanding. You might consider having a team member paraphrase key points
to make sure everyone understands before moving on to the next topic.
6. No surprises, know your goal
Putting people on the spot or addressing a topic that someone is not prepared to
answer will erode trust and credibility. You need to know exactly what you want to
achieve in a conversation. Think and organize your thoughts before you proceed.