Some describe me as a nice person. I'm an introvert so I don't deal much with people. But I'm wondering, being a cashier, or even working at the customer service desk, how do you be nice and not have customers walk all over you?
Some customers have been rude to me because I didn't know certain things. Like where a certain item is in the store.
There's no way to explain it perfectly, but you need to practice a blend of being NICE but FIRM. You also might need to learn to be a good actor ........... if you are naturally rather shy, pretend you are playing the part of an outgoing, friendly person.......( you will be calm and not be intimidated by an unruly or rude customer) in your job as cashier or customer service employee..............practice being quietly assertive, friendly and polite (but FIRM, not easily intimidated).
After a while it gets easier.......just keep practicing. Kroger has 'cured' many a shy person who went into public work in the retail business!!
Sometimes a bit of humor or understanding can help diffuse many a rough situation...It doesn't always work, but to have balance, I've always remembered not to "take my work home" with me...Try to be as kind as you can and remember to "be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"...Some people live to be argumentative...Others may be legitimately having a bad day or a rough year, even...The best way to deal with them is to "kill them with kindness"...Eventually, even though it may not seem like it at the time, that kindness will come back to you!
